Transmission operator launches tender for direct current cable link
A transmission system operator seeks design, supply and installation of a direct current cable system, highlighting rising demand for complex grid links.
A transmission system operator seeks design, supply and installation of a direct current cable system, highlighting rising demand for complex grid links.
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Buyer ΑΝΕΞΑΡΤΗΤΟΣ ΔΙΑΧΕΙΡΙΣΤΗΣ ΜΕΤΑΦΟΡΑΣ ΗΛΕΚΤΡΙΚΗΣ ΕΝΕΡΓΕΙΑΣ A.E. (ΑΔΜΗΕ A.E., Anexartitos Diachiristis Metaforas Ilektrikis Energeias A.E.) has issued a tender for the study, supply and installation of a cable system to create a direct current electrical interconnection between Korinthos and Kos. The contract brings together engineering design and delivery under a single procurement and sits within a growing wave of grid and cable projects aimed at strengthening energy infrastructure.
Published on 31st March 2026, the Cable System Installation contract notice sets out a project to deliver the electrical interconnection of direct current between Korinthos and Kos. At its core is a new cable system that will form the physical link between the two locations.
The brief description confirms that the winning contractor will be responsible not only for supplying the cable system but also for studying and installing it. This gives a single supplier – or consortium – responsibility for turning a high-level interconnection concept into an operational asset.
The use of direct current makes the performance of the cable system and associated equipment central to the reliability of the new link. Such a scope places as much weight on technical integration as on manufacturing and logistics, and it points to a need for a complete solution rather than a straightforward product delivery.
The scope of the contract is concise but demanding. It brings together three main strands of work:
For suppliers, this combination means the contract calls for capabilities that span system design, detailed engineering and on-site works. It favours bidders able to manage interfaces across disciplines and to assume responsibility for how design decisions translate into installation methods and long-term performance.
This kind of integrated approach is becoming more common across complex electrical infrastructure. In October 2025, LUXTRAM S.A. launched its Tram Line System Implementation contract for the K2A section of a tram line extension, combining studies, supplies and tests for low and high current systems in a single package, while excluding signalling. There too, the buyer grouped design and physical delivery to keep system responsibility with one contractor.
Electric transport projects provide another illustration. In October 2025, ΟΔΙΚΕΣ ΣΥΓΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΕΣ Μ.Α.Ε. (Ο.ΣΥ. Μ.Α.Ε., Odikes Sygkoinonies M.A.E.) sought a supplier for Charging Infrastructure Supply and Installation to support 125 new electric vehicles across depots in Votanikos, Anthousa and P. Ralli. That contract also bundled supply and installation, underlining how public transport operators increasingly expect turnkey delivery for power systems.
The Korinthos–Kos direct current link appears against a backdrop of sustained investment in cable infrastructure for transmission, distribution and new energy uses.
In October 2025, PREdistribuce, a.s. went to market for a 110 kV Cable System Supply covering both delivery of a 110 kV cable system and technical support for its installation and assembly. Although the installation work itself is not fully outsourced, the buyer expects suppliers to stand behind the system through detailed technical assistance.
A month later, in November 2025, NETSELSKABET ELVÆRK A/S issued a 60 kV Systems Contract for the supply, installation and testing of two 60 kV systems for electricity distribution. Here, as in the Korinthos–Kos scheme, the contracting authority seeks a partner able to see the project through from equipment delivery to operational readiness.
Grid operators continue to commission larger high-voltage routes as well. In January 2026, Caruna Espoo Oy invited applications for the High Voltage Cable Route Construction between Hepokorpi and Finnoo, covering the construction of a 2x110 kV cable route under a negotiated procedure. Later that month, ELMŰ Hálózati Kft. published its High Voltage Cable Installation contract to establish a 132 kV underground cable connection and telecommunication infrastructure between Pesterzsébet and Laczkovich, including the installation of connectors and optical cables.
Distribution-level investments are also accelerating. In March 2026, Διαχειριστής Ελληνικού Δικτύου Διανομής Ηλεκτρικής Ενέργειας A.E. (Diachiristis Ellinikou Diktyou Dianomis Ilektrikis Energeias A.E.) set out an extensive programme for Construction and Maintenance of Networks, covering the construction, maintenance and improvement of medium and low voltage distribution networks, installation of smart meters and a range of related services across multiple regions. On the same date, Διαχειριστής Ελληνικού Δικτύου Διανομής Ηλεκτρικής Ενέργειας A.E. (ΔΕΔΔΗΕ A.E.) also sought Supporting Study Services for Networks in the Peristeri area, underlining how planning and analytical work is being procured alongside construction.
New uses for electricity drive further cable demand. In December 2025, Stadtwerke Burg Energienetze GmbH launched a tender for Energy Distribution Cables Delivery to supply cables for installation in trays to support the grid connection of a truck fast charging network at the Krähenberge Süd site. In December 2025, the Municipality of Komotini (ΔΗΜΟΣ ΚΟΜΟΤΗΝΗΣ, Dimos Komotinis) sought the Supply of Electrical Materials for street lighting and building installations to meet lighting needs for 2026 and 2027.
Some projects go beyond electricity but still point to integrated energy corridors. In February 2026, Διαχειριστής Εθνικού Συστήματος Φυσικού Αερίου A.E. (ΔΕΣΦΑ, Diachiristis Ethnikou Systimatos Fysikou Aerioy A.E.) published a notice for a High-Pressure Pipeline Project linking Karpéri with Komotini and Krinídhes, covering detailed design, procurement and construction of gas pipelines. While the medium differs, the structure of the contract – design plus procurement plus build – mirrors the approach now seen in many electricity schemes.
Cross-border direct current links are also moving forward. In December 2025, INDEPENDENT POWER TRANSMISSION OPERATOR S.A. launched a tender for a Preliminary Marine Survey for HVDC Interconnection between Italy and Greece. That project focuses on survey work ahead of a high-voltage direct current interconnection, highlighting how preparatory marine and technical studies are being commissioned well before final investment decisions.
The Korinthos–Kos cable system contract fits into this pattern. By combining study, supply and installation for a direct current interconnection, ΑΝΕΞΑΡΤΗΤΟΣ ΔΙΑΧΕΙΡΙΣΤΗΣ ΜΕΤΑΦΟΡΑΣ ΗΛΕΚΤΡΙΚΗΣ ΕΝΕΡΓΕΙΑΣ A.E. is signalling a preference for turnkey solutions and clear lines of responsibility.
For manufacturers of power cables and associated equipment, the tender rewards those able to offer more than standard products. Bidders will need to demonstrate system engineering expertise, installation planning and the capacity to support delivery of a direct current link between geographically separate nodes in the network.
For engineering and construction firms, the project provides an opportunity to partner with technology suppliers on a technically focused scheme. The emphasis on direct current interconnection points towards careful management of interfaces with existing infrastructure, protections and controls, even though the notice itself remains high level in its published form.
From a network development perspective, the contract underlines how transmission and distribution companies are turning to competitive procurement to deliver complex projects. Recent tenders for high-voltage cable routes, distribution networks with smart meters, charging infrastructure and photovoltaic systems all indicate sustained demand for specialist electrical skills.
As the Korinthos–Kos tender progresses, market observers will be watching how bidders structure their offers around the combined study, supply and installation scope. The balance between in-house capabilities and partnerships can reveal how suppliers see risk and opportunity in complex interconnection projects.
Observers may also compare this direct current interconnection with other planned links and reinforcements visible in recent procurement pipelines. The emerging line-up of high-voltage cable routes, distribution upgrades and preparatory work for cross-border HVDC connections suggests that cable technology will remain central to energy infrastructure investment in the coming years.
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