Consumers on Folegandros are now supplied with electricity from the mainland power system via Naxos and Santorini, through a robust high-voltage network.
This development confirms the operational reliability of the subsea cable system installed by IPTO as part of the southern Cyclades interconnection, a project with a total budget of €385.7 million. Construction of the new interconnection, which includes the islands of Santorini, Folegandros, Milos and Serifos, was completed in June.
The cable used for the Santorini-Folegandros section is 60 km long, operates at 150 kV and incorporates optical fibres. It was laid at a maximum depth of 340 metres and buried along its entire subsea route for protection.
The high-voltage substation built by the operator on Folegandros incorporates state-of-the-art gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), helping to minimise its environmental and visual impact. Particular care was also taken with the building’s architectural design. Its stone-clad surfaces ensure that it blends harmoniously with the local built and natural environment.
The interconnection of the southern Cyclades ends the islands’ energy isolation, making a substantial contribution to sustainable development and enhancing the tourism offering. The cessation of operations at polluting plants that use oil for local power generation will also bring significant environmental benefits to the Aegean ecosystem by reducing CO2 emissions.
The Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, said: “Folegandros is leaving energy isolation behind and connecting to the mainland power system. This is an important step towards securing the island’s electricity supply, reducing the cost of power generation and protecting its unique natural environment.
The southern Cyclades interconnection shows how investment in energy infrastructure improves people’s daily lives and supports the development of our islands. For us, the energy transition has value when its benefits reach every place and every citizen. I thank IPTO, its employees and the local communities for their co-operation.
We are continuing our planned interconnections across the Aegean, strengthening our islands’ energy security and creating better living conditions for their residents.”
IPTO Chairman and Chief Executive Manos Manousakis said: “Folegandros is now part of the interconnected power system. Thanks to modern infrastructure developed by the operator across the Cyclades in recent years, islands that make a significant contribution to the country’s tourism industry enjoy a high level of energy security, even under challenging demand conditions.
The southern Cyclades interconnection, which completes the integration of the island group into the high-voltage grid, was a technically complex project that strengthened IPTO’s expertise. With the energisation of the interconnections to Santorini, Milos and Serifos in the coming period, we will complete another major chapter in energy projects in the Aegean.”
The project received €164.5 million in EU funding through the Recovery and Resilience Facility, Greece 2.0. The European Investment Bank also contributed to the funding through a direct loan agreement of €157 million signed with IPTO, as well as a second loan agreement worth €108.4 million, supported by funding from the Recovery and Resilience Facility, Greece 2.0.