ADMIE (Independent Power Transmission Operator) has been informed of the exit of Macquarie Super Core Infrastructure Fund SCSp from the consortium in which it participated with FAETHON Unipersonal Holding Company and its replacement by Meridiam Europe IV A SAS, in the context of the tender for the disposal of 20% of the special purpose company "Ariadne Interconnection SAES".
According to ADMIE, "having moved forward with the evaluation of the necessary supporting documents and the pertinent supporting material submitted by the company, in accordance with the provisions of the tender framework, it approved the participation of the consortium Meridiam Europe IV A SAS and FAETHON Unipersonal Holding Company in the second phase of the tender.
It is recalled that the deadline for the submission of the financial offers of the schemes has been extended until 21 June. Bidders are given access to the Virtual Data Room (VDR), which has been set up in this regard and contains the technical and financial data of the company, as well as such material as is deemed necessary to formulate the binding financial offers of the bidders. The ADMIE will start the evaluation process once the bid submission is complete. Ariadne Interconnection SAES is a 100% subsidiary of ADMIE and is the implementing entity of the Attica - Crete electricity interconnection.
THE CRETE ATTICA INTERCONNECTION
The Crete-Attica electricity interconnection marks Greece's largest and most complex electricity transmission project. It involves the interconnection of Crete to the mainland system (Attica) with a 1GW transmission capacity link, utilizing direct current (DC) technology. The project is one of the few worldwide employing innovative VSC (Voltage Source Converters) technology for AC to DC conversion and ranks among the world's top three in terms of sea depth. Scheduled for commercial operation in 2025, the project's main building facilities are nearing completion. Future activities include the transfer and installation of transformers for the Converter Station and the valves for the conversion of alternating to direct current, as well as works on overhead transmission lines for the connection to the National Power Transmission System.
The construction of the new 150 kV GIS, the ancillary buildings and other landscaping works are also proceeding at an intensive pace. Upon the completion of the project and in conjunction with the first interconnection between Peloponnese and Crete, operational since summer 2021, the island's energy isolation will be lifted, ensuring energy security without the operation or the use of conventional units. This will reduce electricity generation costs, improve environmental footprint, and enhance the quality of electricity supply. Furthermore, the island is poised to become an energy hub, especially with the prospective extension of the interconnection to Cyprus and Israel, paving the way for further "green" development by creating a 2.5 GW of electrical space for onshore and offshore renewable energy projects.
