The Interconnection of the Electric Grid in the Island of Crete, Greece, and its Contribution to the Clean Energy Transition

Abstract

The clean energy transition in islands is of paramount importance in the present era of climate change. The island of Crete, Greece has rich renewable energy resources which can be deployed for power generation. The clean energy transition of Crete, Greece, after the interconnection of its electric grid has been investigated. Solar and wind energy are already used with solar-PV systems and wind farms for electricity generation in Crete covering slightly more than 20% of its annual electricity demand. The elimination of fossil fuels’ use in the electricity sector in Crete deploying endogenous renewable energies is going to assist the achievement of the national and European goal for moving to net-zero carbon emissions societies. The maximum power that can be transferred through the two undersea electric cables interconnecting the grids of Crete and continental Greece is higher than the maximum power demand in Crete which currently does not exceed 700 MW. The size of the solar-PV systems generating the same amount of electricity which is currently produced with fossil fuels in Crete is at 1,698 MWp while their cost is around 2.04 bill. e. The corresponding size and cost of the wind farms are at 940.6 MW and 0.941 bill. e. Electricity storage in Crete either in PHES systems or in large-scale electric batteries will increase its energy security. The results, indicating that the de-carbonization of the electricity sector in Crete is technically and economically feasible, could be useful to policymakers, power companies, and local authorities on the island.

Studies on the Use of Unconventional Transport Vehicles and Fuels in the Island of Crete, Greece

“…The interconnection of the electric grids of Crete and continental Greece is currently under implementation and it is expected to be ready in the next 1-2 years. This is achieved with two undersea electric cables (Vourdoubas, 2023) as follows: a) A small-scale grid interconnection between the prefecture of Chania and the region of Peloponnese, 150 kV AC, 2 × 200 MVA (capability at around 2 × 140 MW). It is foreseen that the power that could be transferred will fluctuate between 150 MW to 180 MW.…”

The Water-energy-tourism Nexus in the Island of Crete, Greece

“…They also mentioned that Greece was among the EU countries with high quotient of fresh surface water withdrawal while it was ranked first regarding agricultural water withdrawal. Vourdoubas, 2023 [32] has studied the interconnection of the electric grid of Crete with the grid of continental Greece. The author stated that after the interconnection of the electric grid of the island, which is foreseen to be finalized by 2025, its clean energy transition can be achieved.…”