Two interconnection projects to link Crete with the mainland’s grid are expected to be launched in 2020 and 2024, respectively, according to an updated ten-year investment prepared by power grid operator IPTO, submitted last week by the operator to RAE, the Regulatory Authority for Energy.

IPTO has noted that planning and licensing procedures for the interconnection projects are being carried out concurrently.

According to the IPTO plan, a deep-sea survey will be conducted within the first half of 2017, while environmental regulations for the project are also expected within the first six months of the year.

A tender for the first interconnection project’s construction is expected to be held this October and contracts with developers will be signed in May, 2018, according to IPTO’s updated ten-year plan. Completion of the first of the two Cretan interconnection projects is expected by the first half of 2020, the operator believes.

Environmental studies and regulations for the second interconnection are expected to be completed by the end of 2018, while the project’s completion date has been set for 2024, IPTO noted