Enemalta said Saturday it has launched the first stage of the procurement process for the manufacture and installation of two new 33kV submarine electricity cables between Malta and Gozo.
This planned investment is aimed at meeting Gozo's steadily increasing electricity demand and supporting the island's future economic and social development. The project forms part of Enemalta's wider long-term programme to increase capacity and strengthen the island's electricity infrastructure including in Gozo, Enemalta said.
Gozo suffered lengthy power cuts this past summer after two major cables experienced faults.
Commenting on the launch of the procurement process, Minister for Energy, Environment and Regeneration of the Grand Harbour, Miriam Dalli said: "This project represents another important step in the implementation of Malta's Energy Shift and our continued investment in stronger, more resilient energy infrastructure. The challenges experienced in Gozo in recent months have underlined the importance of these investments, however this project is not a standalone measure. It forms part of a wider programme of network reinforcement already identified in Malta's Energy Shift and Enemalta's nine-year development plan to strengthen security of supply and prepare the electricity system for future growth. By reinforcing the electricity connection between Malta and Gozo, we are ensuring that both islands are better equipped to meet future energy demand while supporting Gozo's transition towards a more sustainable, secure and reliable energy system."
The project will involve two submarine cables, each approximately eight kilometres long, between Malta and Gozo.
The selected contractor will be responsible for the design, manufacture, installation, testing and commissioning of the cables, Enemalta said.
Enemalta Executive Chairman Ing. Ryan Fava said: "Electricity demand in Gozo continues to grow, and Enemalta is planning and investing today to ensure that the island has the infrastructure it needs for the years ahead. This project, together with the planned 132kV link and two new distribution centres in Gozo, reflects a clear long-term commitment to provide greater capacity and a stronger, more flexible electricity network. These are substantial investments that will support Gozo's continued development, increased electrification and the integration of more renewable energy."
The procurement of the submarine cable is being issued through a restricted procedure, with interested economic operators first needed to undergo a pre-qualification process before proceeding to the tender stage.
The new 33kV submarine cables form part of a broader programme of investment in Gozo's electricity infrastructure. Enemalta is also advancing preparations for a new 132kV electricity link between Malta and Gozo under its Nine-Year Investment Plan. The planned link will provide substantially greater capacity between the two islands and further strengthen Gozo's electricity network. The plan also includes two new distribution centres in Gozo, one in Għajnsielem and another serving the Victoria/Kerċem area. Together, these projects will provide additional capacity, support the integration of renewable energy and prepare Gozo's electricity network for future demand.
Through these investments, Enemalta is implementing a clear and structured long-term plan for Gozo's electricity needs. The new submarine cables, the planned 132kV link and the two new distribution centres reflect the scale of the company's commitment to strengthening the island's electricity infrastructure for the years ahead.