From a power demand viewpoint, many of the Greek islands are currently isolated electric networks, most of them characterized by seasonal (summer) peaks. Currently, the demand is covered by local old power plants which use diesel oil or Heavy Fuel Oil. Existing plants are not able to satisfy the expected growth in power demand up to 2050, nor comply with the provisions of the European Legislation regarding the emissions limits.
Due to expected growth in power demand (i.e. in Crete and Rhodes), but also in order to reduce the cost of electricity and comply with the emissions limits, installation of submarine power cables to connect the islands with Continental Greece is scheduled. However, cable connection with the Continent would involve significant costs and wouldn't ensure a ‘back-up’ solution in case of unexpected interruption in power supply.
In this framework, the Hellenic Gas Transmission System Operator (DESFA S.A.), also owner of the LNG Terminal in Revithousa, has investigated the use of LNG for power production as an environmental, economic, and technically feasible alternative to satisfy power demand in North Aegean and Dodecanese archipelagos or as a complementary project (Crete) alongside with the interconnection to the mainland.
RINA supported DESFA in assessing the technical and commercial viability of the ‘LNG to Power’ chain initiative, including LNG supply from Revithousa, installation of small-scale regasification terminals and new gas fired power units on Crete, Rhodes and Chios and local interconnections with surrounding islands through submarine power cables.
The main purposes of the study were the selection of the best technical and commercial LNG solution able to ensure a robust and flexible LNG supply chain over the year (considering both the unstable power demand, with peaks in summer, and severe metocean conditions potentially limiting terminals reloading in winter) and overall cost estimate (to be compared with cable connection from the mainland).
A market scouting of small-scale LNG solutions available or under development was carried out and a detailed logistic analysis was performed as a support tool for selecting the best option as well as optimizing the capacity of terminals’ storage and feeder vessels.
In parallel, selection and sizing of new gas fired units and preliminary routing of power cables were carried out, to ensure absence of technical, environmental, or territorial constraints limiting the whole initiative. Subsequently, preliminary design and overall cost estimate were performed.
