IPTO, now in control of Crete’s small-scale link, boosts to full capacity

Power grid operator IPTO, which has assumed control of a small-scale power grid interconnection linking Crete with the Peloponnese following the transfer, to IPTO, of distribution network operator DEDDIE/HEDNO’s assets on Crete, effective August 1, has, since August 26, also increased the line to near full capacity, at 150 MW, sources informed.

In addition, IPTO yesterday successfully staged a trial run further boosting the line’s capacity to 180 MW, the absolute upper limit.

The Crete-Peloponnese grid link was launched on July 3 to transfer power loads from the mainland to Crete in order to prevent energy insufficiency issues on the island.

Between its first day and August 20, the link consistently supplied Crete at a capacity of between 70 and 80 MW. This transmission was boosted to 100 MW between August 20 and 25 ahead of the latest increases over the past few days.

Crete’s participation in target model markets will be based on a hybrid model proposed by the Hellenic Energy Exchange from October 1 until the island’s large-scale grid link with Athens is completed.