Leading energy and telecom cable systems producer Prysmian Group has been awarded a new €125m contract for an interconnection between the island of Crete and mainland Greece (Peloponnese region). The project was awarded by IPTO (Independent Power Transmission Operator), which operates the transmission system for Greece’s power grid.

 

The contract will be finalised later this year, following the customary approvals from the authorities involved.

 

The project is the first submarine electricity interconnection between the Greek island and the mainland and involves the design, supply, installation and commissioning of a High Voltage Alternating Current cable system composed of 150kV three-core cables with XLPE insulation and double-wire armouring. The route extends to 135km, reaching depth of installation up to 950 metres.

 

The submarine cables will be produced at Prysmian’s plant in Arco Felice (Naples) and will be installed at sea by the vessel Giulio Verne, which forms part of the Group’s proprietary fleet and is among the most technologically advanced in the world. Delivery and commissioning are scheduled for 2020.

 

In the Mediterranean region, the Group has a strong track record of important submarine connections, including Italy-Greece, Sardinia-Italian Peninsula (SA.PE.I), two interconnections between Spain and Morocco, two projects in the Balearic Islands (Iberian Peninsula-Mallorca and Ibiza-Mallorca), the Cyclades project in Greece, the Capri-Torre Annuzianta and the Capri-Sorrento connections in Italy, and the Dardanelles link in Turkey.