New energy project connects Crete to the mainland - Interconnection aims to provide electricity supply for the Mediterranean region
A major undersea power cable project has successfully connected the island of Crete to the electricity grid of mainland Greece, marking a transformative achievement for the transition to clean energy in the Mediterranean region. It is also a significant example of energy cooperation between Europe and China.
The Ariadne Interconnector, supported by China's State Grid, is already starting to deliver results and is helping Greece meet its climate goals. Stretching 335 kilometers across the Aegean Sea and descending to depths of over 1,000 meters, this cable is among the deepest in the world for high-voltage power transmission.
The project connects the city of Heraklion, the largest and administrative center of Crete, with Athens, the capital of Greece, enabling the transmission of up to one gigawatt of electricity. This critical infrastructure aims to wean Crete away from its dependence on aging oil-fired power plants.
By switching to a cleaner and more sustainable supply from the mainland, the project is expected to reduce over 400,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year, while also saving millions of euros in fuel costs.
"This is a historic project. It protects the environment, supports tourism and brings real energy security to Crete, something we have been waiting for for decades," said Stavros Arnaoutakis, the governor of Crete.
Financed by the Independent Power Transmission Operator of Greece and with 20% ownership by State Grid of China, the 1.1 billion euro project is already operational in the trial phase and is expected to enter full operation this fall.
All of the project's lines have already passed load tests. Engineers say the system is ready to provide clean, reliable energy year-round, even during the busy tourist season.
The infrastructure is in line with the EU’s 2030 climate targets, making the island a key link in Europe’s energy future. With abundant wind and solar resources, Crete has the potential to supply Greece’s energy grid with up to 2.5 gigawatts of locally produced renewable energy in the future, transforming the island from a consumer to a net exporter of energy.
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