- Crete–Attica electrical interconnection to officially launch in early 2026
- Oil-powered units in Crete will continue running due to energy security concerns
- ADMIE says at least 500 MW of conventional power must remain as backup
- Project delays affect both residents and the tourism sector, especially hotel operations
- Expected consumer benefits will arrive slowly
The flagship electrical interconnection between Crete and Attica — the so-called “large interconnection” — is finally set to begin commercial operation in early 2026, after months of trial runs.
In theory, this link was expected to replace Crete’s oil-burning PPC units, lower consumer costs across Greece, and dramatically reduce emissions on the island.
In practice? The chimneys keep smoking.
ADMIE discovered late in the process that Crete still cannot rely solely on the interconnection. Even with the new cable active, the island must maintain at least 500 MW of conventional backup — a significant portion of Crete’s peak demand, which reaches 800 MW in high season.
This means the old oil-powered plants cannot retire yet.
For residents and tourism operators alike, the energy picture remains transitional, not transformed.
Why This Matters for Tourism
Crete is not just a destination; it is a power-hungry destination, with hotels, restaurants, and tourism infrastructure operating at full capacity for much of the year.
The delay in entirely switching to cleaner, cheaper energy has consequences:
For hotels and other hospitality businesses
- Higher operational costs linger due to oil-powered backup systems
- Energy unreliability concerns persist during summer peaks
- Sustainable-tourism certification becomes more difficult without stable green power
- Large resorts (especially all-inclusive complexes) continue to face heavy energy bills
For visitors
- Indirect costs remain embedded in accommodations
- High-season strain can affect the reliability of cooling systems during heatwaves
- Crete’s goal of presenting itself as a green island is slowed down
For long-term development
- Investments in eco-tourism and low-energy infrastructure depend on predictable power
- Regions off the main grid in rural Crete rely heavily on a stable supply
- Tourism diversification (e.g., mountain lodges, agrotourism stays) hinges on energy security
What Went Wrong: The Technical Part (in human language)
ADMIE originally estimated that only 200 MW of reserves were needed until the interconnection stabilized.
The plan was logical: switch on the Athens link, switch off the old generators, and watch emissions — and consumer bills — fall.
But the new capacity studies show something different:
- The island still requires 500 MW of backup
- Wind and solar production alone cannot cover rapid demand spikes
- Tourism-season peaks add unpredictability
- Shutting down PPC’s oil units entirely would threaten system stability
In short, Crete’s energy model cannot yet rely entirely on the interconnection and renewables.
The cable helps, but it is not enough.
The Tourism Impact: Slower Green Transition, Slower Cost Relief
ADMIE still calculates that the “small” and “large” interconnections together could save Greek consumers €550 million per year once they operate at full potential.
But until Crete can retire its oil units, the cost benefits will be partial — and delayed.
For the tourism sector, this means:
- No immediate drop in energy-related costs for hotels
- A slower move toward carbon-neutral tourism infrastructure
- Continued reliance on outdated and polluting power solutions
- A more cautious environment for investors who need stable, green energy guarantees
Crete, a flagship of Greek tourism, remains stuck in an energy halfway zone.
What Comes Next
ADMIE’s final recommendation will appear in the 2025–2035 capacity adequacy study, which will soon be submitted to RAAEY.
The findings will determine whether:
- More renewable installations can accelerate the transition
- New storage systems (like large-scale batteries) must be added
- Or if Crete will continue using oil units for years to come
The official commercial inauguration of the interconnection is scheduled for December 10 in Heraklion, with the prime minister present.
The project is a milestone — but not the finish line.