Terna and IPTO agree to develop second Italy–Greece power link

Terna, Italy’s national grid operator, and IPTO (Independent Power Transmission Operator), the Greek transmission system operator, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop a new high-voltage electricity interconnection named GRITA 2.

The agreement, set for three years, outlines a joint governance framework for planning and coordination. It also sets the stage for future agreements related to cable and converter station procurement.

The GRITA 2 project will be a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link with a transmission capacity of up to 1,000 MW. It will span about 300 km, including 240 km of subsea cable laid at depths reaching 1,000 metres. The new link will supplement the existing 500 MW interconnection between the two countries, which has been operational since 2002.

The project’s estimated cost is around €1.9 billion.

GRITA 2 is expected to improve grid reliability, support renewable energy integration, and increase electricity trade between Italy and Greece. It is also designed to help meet decarbonisation targets and reinforce both countries as key electricity hubs in the Mediterranean.

Terna CEO Giuseppina Di Foggia said the new power link would enhance energy security in southern Italy and enable more efficient energy procurement. She noted that the interconnection, alongside the existing one, would raise the overall efficiency of transmission between the two countries.

IPTO chairman Manos Manousakis highlighted the role of interconnectivity in advancing Europe’s climate goals. He said the new corridor would expand electricity exchange capacity, boost security, and improve the integrated European market, bringing benefits to consumers in both nations.