The new Greece-Bulgaria electrical interconnection has been completed and energised after successful trial operations. The Operator of the Greek Electricity Transmission System (IPTO) and the Bulgarian Electricity Transmission System Operator (ESO EAD) have collaborated to activate the ultra-high voltage 400 kV interconnection, which has a transmission capacity of 1.5 GW.
The total length of the international interconnection is 151 km (from Nea Santa in Greece to Maritsa East in Bulgaria), with approximately 30 km within Greek territory. This €11m project was included in the Ten-Year Development Program (TYNDP) of ENTSO-E and the list of Projects of Common Interest (PCI) of the European Union.
This second transmission line between Greece and Bulgaria significantly expands the capacity for energy exchanges between the two neighbouring countries. It enhances cross-border trade and improves energy security in Southeast Europe and the Balkan Peninsula.