Enemalta plc said it is continuing the implementation of its Network Reinforcement Project with the laying of underground high voltage cables at Gżira, to energise the new Manoel Island Distribution Centre.
The 33 kV Manoel Island Distribution Centre will provide the necessary network capacity and redundancy for the current and future requirements of this region. It will continue improving the quality of service to customers in Msida, Ta’ Xbiex, Gżira, Manoel Island, Tignè, Sliema, San Ġwann and other nearby areas. The Distribution Centre will be commissioned in 2016, Enemalta said in a statement.
The most delicate phase of this development is beginning this week, as contractors are starting trenching works along 700 metres of roads at Gżira, to lay the 33 kV cables connecting the new distribution centre to the existing Kappara 132 kV Distribution Centre. The laying of another 700 metres of cables along the rest of the route between these two network nodes has already been completed. Works this week will continue at Triq Tas-Sliema and proceed along parts of Triq Luqa Briffa, Triq Manoel de Vilhena and Triq ir-Rebħa. A traffic management plan has been discussed with Transport Malta and where possible, the road works will be scheduled to avoid disruptions during rush hours.
To cross the cables from the Gżira seafront to Manoel Island, other contractors will also start the laying of a 40-metre stretch of pipes beneath the seabed. The Malta Environment and Planning Authority recently issued the required permits for these underwater excavations.
Enemalta engineers will be monitoring the cable laying works to make sure that the specified technical standards are maintained. When these works are ready, the Company will carry out the necessary jointing and testing works at a number of joint bays along the route, to complete this fundamental network connection.
The planning and construction of the Manoel Island Distribution Centre’s building was completed in 2014, ahead of the delivery and installation of the required distribution equipment, earlier this year. The Distribution Centre includes three 22.5 MVA 33/11 kV transformers as well as 33 kV switchgear and 11 kV switchgear supplying 13 feeders that will provide additional alternative electricity supply connections to several nearby localities.
The Manoel Island Distribution Centre is one of four similar developments that Enemalta is currently implementing as part of its Network Reinforcement Project. Another three new distribution centres at St Andrew’s, Xewkija and Marsa will be energised next year. At the same time, the existing distribution centres at Mellieħa, Marsa and Santa Venera are being upgraded with new equipment.
Enemalta is also in the process of laying several kilometres of high voltage cables between different nodes of the network, to have the necessary spare connections to provide a quicker response when natural faults disrupt electricity supply to its customers.
Ing. Fredrick Azzopardi, the Company’s Executive Chairman, explains that this project aims to augment network resilience, increase capacity and introduce new technologies to the electricity distribution network in Malta and Gozo. “Each stage of this project provides us with increased network redundancy and reliability to reduce the risk of unplanned electricity supply disruptions, whilst providing a quicker restoration of supply when the network is affected by natural faults, accidental or storm damages and other disturbances.”