Admie, Greece-based Independent Power Transmission Operator, which is the project promoter of the Great Sea Interconnector that will end Cyprus’ energy isolation, is moving ahead with a similar project that will connect the Dodecanese and the islands of the north east Aegean Sea to the Greek mainland’s power grid.
The international tender for the 150 kV AC submarine cable project entered its final phase, promising substantial economic and environmental benefits by connecting these islands to Greece’s grid.
Following a successful first phase that secured bids from Fulgor A.E., Nexans Norway A.S., and Prysmian Powerlink S.r.l., companies are now set to submit their final financial and technical offers.
The project, valued at €1.717 billion (plus VAT) with a six-year framework agreement, marks Admie’s adoption of a European-style tendering approach to secure better pricing, favorable delivery times, and efficient resource management.
Explaining the strategy, Greek Energy Minister, Theodoros Skylakakis, noted how “the major interconnection projects of the islands are moving forward,” stressing that “these projects will bring affordable renewable energy to our islands” and ease the “burden on the Public Utility Services, largely shouldered by mainland consumers.”
This shift, Skylakakis added, would cut down the islands’ reliance on “expensive and environmentally damaging fossil fuels.”
Dodecanese islands, including Kos, Rhodes, and Karpathos, will connect to the mainland grid via Corinth in two phases, while interconnection of the northeastern Aegean islands—Lemnos, Lesvos, Skyros, Chios, and Samos—will follow in three phases.
By linking these island clusters to the continental electricity system, Admie expects a significant boost in energy security and a reduction in the islands’ carbon footprint.
Admie CEO Manousos Manousakis, affirmed the value of the framework approach, stating, “Admie is pressing ahead with these interconnections in response to rising market demands.”
He emphasised that “the new tendering model will ensure projects are completed on time, more cost-effectively.”
Manousakis added that beyond immediate benefits, “this infrastructure also lays the groundwork for future offshore wind farms in the Aegean.”
