The Euroasia Interconnector consortium awarded the PCI-status Euroasia Interconnector planned to link the Greek, Cypriot and Israeli power grids, has strongly doubted an ACER (Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators) report noting the project’s development has fallen two years behind schedule and insists it should be given control of the major Cretan interconnection, part of the wider Mediterranean project.
The Cypriot regulatory authority for energy appears to be lending its support to the Euroasia Interconnector consortium over the issue.
The latest developments could affect hopes of progress following a July 12 meeting when RAE, Greece’s Regulatory Authority for Energy, was tasked, by the European Commission, to decide within two months on how the Cretan major interconnection segment of the Euroasia Interconnector project will be developed and by whom.
The Euroasia Interconnector consortium and IPTO, Greece’s power grid operator, have been at odds in their efforts to secure control of the development of the Cretan major interconnection planned to link the island’s grid with Athens.
The ACER report is intended to serve as a key guide for RAE’s decision-making in the dispute.
Recent talks between RAE and IPTO suggested that the Greek power grid operator would be awarded the contract for the major-Cretan interconnection as part of the Euroasia Interconnector. However, initial support by the European Commission for such a course of action now seems indefinite.
The Euroasia Interconnector consortium continues to believe it should be given the upper hand for the Cretan major interconnection’s development. Highlighting this stance, the consortium has organized a public consultation event for today at seaside Megara, on the western outskirts of Athens, for talks with local authorities and residents on project issues.
The major Cretan interconnection’s submarine power cable is planned to run from Crete to the Megara region before continuing as an overland connection to a central grid facility in Athens.