EIB Funds Major Greek Island Interconnection
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved a substantial financing package of €490 million for a critical infrastructure project aimed at integrating several Northeast Aegean islands into Greece's national electricity transmission grid. This funding, approved on December 12, 2025, marks a significant step towards ending the long-standing electrical isolation of these islands.
The project, officially named the IPTO North East Aegean Interconnection, will connect the islands of Lemnos, Lesvos, Chios, Samos, and Skyros. This initiative is spearheaded by the Independent Power Transmission Operator S.A. (IPTO).
Enhanced Energy Security and Sustainability
The interconnection will link these islands to the mainland transmission grid via Nea Santa in Thrace to the north and Aliveri on Evia to the east. Additionally, it will establish a connection to the Dodecanese islands grid through Mastichari on Kos to the south. The primary technology employed will be 150 kV alternating current (AC) cable interconnectors and 150 kV gas-insulated substations (GIS).
The project is set to deliver multiple benefits, fundamentally transforming the energy landscape of the region. It will replace the current reliance on local diesel or heavy fuel oil power stations, leading to a more efficient, reliable, and cleaner electricity supply. This move is expected to significantly improve the security of supply and increase the capacity for integrating renewable energy sources (RES) in the area.
Economic and Environmental Impact
Beyond energy provision, the interconnection is anticipated to foster economic development, particularly in the tourism sector, and support regional development and cohesion. The EIB stated that the project aligns with both national and EU climate and energy goals, and is consistent with the objectives of REPowerEU.
According to earlier plans from 2020, the broader interconnection of the North Aegean Islands, alongside the Dodecanese interconnection project, had a total budget of €935 million. The implementation was envisioned in phases:
- Phase A (due for completion in 2027) includes the Nea Santa-Lemnos HVC and Lemnos-Lesvos interconnections.
- Phase B (due for completion in 2028) covers the Aliveri-Skyros HVC, Lesvos-Chios, and Kos-Samos interconnections.
- Phase C (due for completion in 2030) involves closing the interconnecting loops with the Lesvos-Skyros and Chios-Samos interconnections.
This substantial investment underscores the commitment to modernizing Greece's energy infrastructure and promoting a sustainable energy transition across its island regions.
5 Comments
Muchacha
Integrating renewables is a positive outcome, but the article doesn't detail how much of the new capacity will actually come from local island-based renewable projects versus mainland supply. Local generation is key.
Fuerza
This funding could be used for more urgent social needs. The priorities seem completely off.
Manolo Noriega
It's good to see investment in island infrastructure, yet the phased completion stretching to 2030 means some islands will wait years for these promised benefits. Faster implementation would be ideal.
Ongania
While connecting the islands to the national grid offers energy security, we need to ensure local communities truly benefit and aren't just becoming energy consumers for mainland interests.
Fuerza
The shift from fossil fuels is commendable, but the long-term maintenance costs of these underwater cables could be substantial. We should consider their resilience to natural events.