Works related to the offshore section of the second interconnector commenced, with Nexans starting horizontal directional drilling works in Malta, the Energy Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
This important phase will create the underground connection between the onshore and offshore sections of the project, allowing the high-voltage cable to pass from land to sea without impacting the coastal area.
“As one can appreciate, this project involved the manufacturing of a custom-made cable and a wide range of complex engineering activities, extensive planning and close coordination between different parties. These are all essential steps in delivering infrastructure of national importance,” Energy Minister Miriam Dalli stated.
“The construction of the second interconnector, a project of around €300 million, funded through the ERDF, is considered a project of major strategic importance for the Maltese Islands. It will strengthen security of energy supply, while also helping to keep energy prices stable so that Maltese families and businesses can continue to benefit from affordable bills,” said Minister for European Funds Keith Azzopardi Tanti.
Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is a specialised trenchless technology that enables a controlled bore to be drilled from an onshore entry point to an offshore exit point beneath the seabed. This method avoids open excavation along the coastline, while ensuring a safe and protected transition for the cable between land and sea.
The horizontal directional drilling process will also be repeated later this year on the Sicilian side. These works represent a key interface between the onshore and offshore contracts, effectively creating the gateway through which both sections of the project will be connected. The works are being carefully coordinated by Interconnect Malta and their technical consultants, Rina Consulting S.p.A., with full collaboration between all parties involved.
The process involves extensive planning, engineering and preparation. The drilling process itself will provide the clearest confirmation of the actual geological conditions below the surface. Natural features such as cavities, fissures or changes in rock formation can present technical challenges, making careful monitoring and expert execution essential.
Once HDD works in both countries are completed, the subsea cable can effectively be laid, and the process is expected to commence from Malta going towards Italy. The submarine cable will then be joined together with the land cable through a transition joint at both ends that will be executed by specialised jointers.
“One of the most remarkable aspects of this project is that works of this scale will ultimately deliver critical national infrastructure while remaining almost entirely hidden from view. Thanks to today’s technology, major infrastructure can be delivered with minimal impact on the surrounding landscape and the environment. This, however, requires significant studies, coordination, detailed planning and careful execution,” ICM Manager Perit Reuben Sammut explained.
Once completed, the Second Malta–Sicily Interconnector will double Malta’s electricity interconnection capacity with the European grid. It will also strengthen Malta’s security of supply and support the further integration of renewable energy within the island’s electricity system.
This €300 million investment has been approved for ERDF funding under the priority “Promoting a clean and just energy transition” and contributes directly to smart and stable energy systems. The project has been recognised as an “Operation of Strategic Importance” in the 2021–2027 Programme, with €261 million allocated in European funding.