Gas grid operator DESFA is examining the prospect of taking on a Cretan FSRU project for LNG imports to the island, one of the measures being planned to protect Crete’s energy sufficiency between 2020 and 2023, when a large-scale grid interconnection with Athens is expected to be completed.

Old high-polluting power stations operating on Crete by power utility PPC will need to be withdrawn by the end of this year.

A small-scale grid interconnection is planned to link Crete with the Peloponnese as of 2020, but the island’s energy security issue will not be completely resolved until 2023, with the anticipated launch of the large-scale link to Athens.

RAE, the Regulatory Authority for Energy, has asked DESFA to consider the prospect of taking on the Cretan FSRU, as operator, which would incorporate the unit into the national energy system. Otherwise, a tender will need to be staged to seek another operator.

LNG supply to Crete is seen as essential for ensuring the island’s energy sufficiency during the crucial three-year period.

The Cretan energy security plan includes converting PPC’s 100-MW diesel-fueled units, situated at Atherinolakkos, into gas-fueled facilities. In addition, a new power station, preferably gas-fueled, is planned to be installed on Crete for a further capacity of approximately 100 MW.