Independent Power Transmission Operator (ADMIE) ensures increased energy reliability in the Ionian Islands with the upgrades of the electrical interconnections between Kefalonia (Zakynthos) and Lefkada (Kefalonia).

The tender for the project, with a total cost of €99.8 million plus VAT, was successfully completed and the contract was signed at the end of October, with the company FULGOR M.A.E. - Hellenic Cable Industry as the contractor. 

The project concerns the design, supply and installation of an integrated submarine and underground cable system using 150 kV high-voltage AC technology, which will also incorporate fibre optic telecommunication cables.

The new lines will completely replace the existing old-style interconnections that have been operating continuously for decades between Zakynthos, Kefalonia and Lefkada.

The total length of the electrical interconnection between Kefalonia and Zakynthos will be 20.4 km and that between Lefkada and Zakynthos 14.8 km. The construction phase of the project is expected to take 12 months from the signing of the contract, with a completion date of 2025. 

STATEMENTS

Minister of Environment and Energy, Mr. Theo Skylakakis, said: "The upgrades of the Kefalonia-Zakynthos and Lefkada-KKefalonia electrical interconnections, utilising new technologies, is another important, energy-related project for the improvement of infrastructure in the Ionian Islands Region. From its implementation, the residents of the region, as well as tourists, will enjoy the benefits of a more modern and resilient electricity system.".

The President and CEO of ADMIE, Mr. Manos Manousakis, said. In the Ionian Sea we have already upgraded the interconnection between Kyllini and Zakynthos and we are strengthening the interconnections between Corfu and Igoumenitsa. By upgrading the lines between Zakynthos, Kefalonia and Lefkada, the Ionian Islands as a whole will have modern and resilient electricity transmission infrastructure. These projects will, in the long term, safeguard the reliability of the electricity system in the region, with multiple benefits for the daily lives of the residents and the quality of the tourist products of the islands.".