Presentations

Abstract

The interconnection of the Greek islands with the mainland electricity system constitutes a central priority of the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), aiming at the decarbonisation of the electricity mix, the reduction of electricity costs for consumers, and the enhancement of security of supply. Within this framework, three pillars stand out: (i) the progressive completion of island interconnections, (ii) the accelerated penetration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) coupled with storage, and (iii) the development of hybrid stations in non-interconnected islands The Hellenic Regulatory Authority for Waste, Energy and Water (RAAEY) has played a pivotal role in this process, initiating since 2019, through a dedicated Task Force chaired by Prof. Michalis Papadopoulos (NTUA), a comprehensive approach towards the prioritisation and monitoring of interconnection projects. The Ten-Year Network Development Plan (TYNDP), implemented by IPTO under the supervision of the Regulator, ensures transparency and efficiency in both planning and construction phases. This paper analyses two distinct periods. The first one, until the full interconnection of major islands, is characterised by limited margins for new RES installations due to technical constraints, but also by innovative hybrid projects such as those in Ikaria, Tilos, Agios Efstratios, Astypalaia, Kythnos (microgrid) and Chalki (energy community). In parallel, flagship initiatives such as “GR-eco Islands” (39 islands) and “30 islands up to 2030” (6 Greek islands) illustrate the transition path. The second period, following the realisation of the interconnections, is expected to unlock significant RES potential both onshore—while safeguarding environmental and social acceptance through targeted benefits to local communities—and offshore, with the deployment of wind farms that can generate value for multiple sectors of the economy.