Greek gas grid operator DESFA is looking to further establish its FSRU proposal for LNG supply to Crete, an initiative included in its ten-year development plan.

DESFA, nowadays controlled by a three-member consortium consisting of Snam, Enagas and Fluxys, has begun exploring FSRU solutions and their cost for Crete, where gas supply would be used for electricity generation to help make up for the  closure of high-polluting diesel units totaling 100 MW.

DESFA has set a January 20 deadline for the submission of FSRU rent or purchase offers by interested parties.

The gas grid operator requires a facility with a 125,000 cubic-meter capacity that can anchor close to the Atherinolakkos power station in southeast Crete.

The overall project will also require an LNG tanker for transportation purposes – minimum capacity of 20,000 cubic meters. This tanker will also be used as a storage facility.

In addition, the DESFA plan includes a 10,000 cubic-meter LNG carrier to execute approximately 75 shipments per year.

As has been previously reported, RAE, the Regulatory Authority for Energy, has asked DESFA to further process its proposal for the installation of an LNG terminal off Crete to counter energy shortage issues until 2023, when submarine grid interconnections with the mainland are expected to be completed.

In addition, RAE plans to install a new 100-MW natural gas-fueled unit on the island as well as new RES units, for solar and wind energy, with a total capacity between 100 and 150 MW.

The installation of batteries for energy storage totaling 40 to 50 MW also features in the Crete plan.