The project was very important for the Greek electrical grid and the regional development programme. Two parallel 400 kV (kilovolt) underground cable circuits were to interconnect the Aliveri combined-cycle thermal plant on Euboea with the continental transmission grid.
The new gas-fired plant replaced the previous fuel-oil and lignite-fired capacity, thereby helping reduce pollution, especially CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions. It contributed to present and future requirements for electricity throughout Greece by replacing withdrawn capacity with a new enhanced capacity that could keep pace with growing consumer demand.
The project was originally commissioned by Public Power Corporation S.A. (PPC), Greece’s biggest power company. It was to be undertaken about 80 km from Athens and then handed over to ADMIE, S.A.
There were, however, significant technical challenges. One of them was a submarine section at the Chalcis Suspension Bridge, which required several long drillings beneath the seabed. Another customer requirement was that the first circuit be put into service as soon as possible, to ensure continuous operation.
In 2010 NKT received the order to create the transmission link to Greece’s second-largest island.