ATHENS — Crete, the south Cyclades, the Dodecanese and north Aegean islands are the priorities of a plan by ADMIE – Greece's Independent Power Transmission Operator – for the interconnection of Greek islands with the continental grid, according to Manos Manousakis, chairman and CEO of ADMIE.

Manousakis was speaking on Tuesday during a ceremony inaugurating the electric interconnection of Naxos with the country's high-voltage grid, which signaled the completion of the second phase of the programme.

Addressing the same event, Environment and Energy Minister Kostis Hatzidakis said the project will improve energy supply security for the Cyclades islands and save money.

ADMIE's investment programme totals 5.0 billion euros and includes among others: the interconnection of Crete with the continental grid by the end of the year (completion is expected in 2023), interconnecting the south Cyclades (Santorini, Folegandros, Milos and Serifos) by 2024 with a budget of 393 million euros, completion of the interconnection of the Dodecanese in 2027 with a budget of 1.5 billion euros and the interconnection of north Aegean islands in 2029 with a budget of 885 million euros.

Manousakis said the interconnection of Cyclades and Crete creates "space" exceeding 1,300 MW for renewable energy sources.