Malta's energy interconnectors with Sicily will be switched off for 12 days for safety measures as work on the second link continue, a statement issued by Interconnect Malta and Enemalta said Saturday.
Over recent months works at the Ragusa Terminal Station continued at a fast pace, with the project now nearing completion. A fire tank with associated fire pumps have been installed on the civil foundations constructed for the project, while the installation and assembly of the new 240 MVAr shunt reactor has been completed, including the construction of its fire protection walls. Interconnect Malta is now proceeding to a further phase of civil works at Ragusa Terminal Station.
These works will require the temporary isolation of IC1, as heavy machinery will be operating in close proximity to the existing 220 kV overhead lines, the statement said. In addition, modifications are required to the IC1 overhead line support structure to accommodate a new hybrid gas insulated switchgear, which will enable the new reactor to be connected to either interconnector as operational requirements dictate, the statement said.
The works will also involve routing of 220kV land cable from the switchgear to the reactor in underground ducts that have been installed in preparation for this shutdown which is scheduled to commence on 5 October and expected to last around 12 days.
This shutdown is an essential safety measure to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of personnel working in a high-risk electrical environment. It will also protect the existing interconnector infrastructure, ensuring that the work can be undertaken without compromising its integrity or safety, the statement added.
The shutdown and associated works are being coordinated between Interconnect Malta, Enemalta, Terna Energy Solutions and the Italian Transmission System Operator.
These works have been planned well in advance to support the continued implementation of the Second Interconnector project. Enemalta has worked closely with Interconnect Malta, Terna Energy Solutions and the Italian Transmission System Operator to ensure all necessary preparatory measures are in place ahead of the temporary shutdown.
While the works are being carried out, Malta's electricity demand will be fully met through local generation resources, with sufficient capacity available to ensure the continued stability and security of supply, the statement said. The works are also taking place against the backdrop of increasing electricity demand, including the record levels experienced during the summer months, further highlighting the importance of strategic investments that strengthen the resilience and flexibility of the national electricity system.
"The steady progress being achieved on the second interconnector demonstrates Government's commitment to delivering the critical energy infrastructure required for Malta's future. The works completed to date in Ragusa, together with the activities planned in the coming days, mark another important milestone towards the project's completion and underline the significant effort being undertaken on both sides of the interconnection," Miriam Dalli, Minister for Energy, Environment and the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour, said.
Following the re-energisation of IC1, additional works will continue at the terminal station. This carefully phased programme has been developed in close coordination with Enemalta to ensure the efficient execution of works while minimizing disruption to the existing infrastructure.
"Carrying out major civil works within a terminal station with live equipment in proximity presents unique technical and safety challenges that require strict adherence to operational procedures, meticulous planning, and close coordination with Enemalta, the Italian Transmission System Operator, and our various contractors. We would like to thank all the stakeholders involved, including engineers, contractors, and their subcontractors, for their continued collaboration and commitment in ensuring that works are delivered safely and efficiently. The progress achieved to date in Ragusa demonstrates the collective effort of all parties involved and brings IC2 another step closer to completion supporting the country's long-term energy ambitions," Inġ. Ismail D'Amato, Interconnect Malta CEO said
Enemalta Executive Chairman Inġ. Ryan Fava said: "The first interconnector, which was developed and commissioned by Enemalta in 2015, marked a transformative milestone for Malta's energy sector by establishing a direct connection to the European electricity grid and significantly strengthening the country's security of supply. The Second Interconnector builds on that achievement and represents a critical investment in Malta's long-term energy strategy. As electricity demand continues to grow and the energy sector evolves to accommodate a greater share of renewable energy, investments in resilient and flexible infrastructure become increasingly important. Enemalta has sufficient local generation capacity available to meet national electricity demand throughout the execution of these works, ensuring the continued reliability, stability and security of Malta's electricity system."
IC2 plays a pivotal role in the government's energy strategy and is identified as a planned project under the 'Energy, Climate & Environmental Transformation' priority of Malta's Vision 2050. The project is designed to double Malta's electricity interconnection capacity and strengthen national security of supply. By reducing dependence on locally generated fossil fuel power and enabling greater uptake of renewable energy, IC2 will contribute to Malta's ongoing green transition.
The project is co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), supporting Malta's efforts to build a more resilient and sustainable energy system.
Information about IC2 an EU Funded Project
The project consists of a new 122km long 225MW HVAC electrical cable interconnection through a 245kV submarine cable between Malta (Maghtab) and Sicily (Ragusa) to be laid in parallel but at a safe distance to the existing HVAC cable link which was commissioned in 2015.
This €300 million project was approved for ERDF funding, specifically under Priority 2, 'Promoting clean and fair energy transition, sustainable wastewater management, and green investment', and Specific Objective 2.3, 'Developing smart energy systems, grids, and storage outside the TEN-E network'.
The second interconnector will not only increase the security of the electrical supply but will also lead to increased investment in renewable energy, which will help Malta better handle the intermittent nature of green sources like offshore wind and solar. Once completed, the 245kV submarine cable will double Malta's connectivity to the European energy grid. According to the project's cost-benefit analysis, 13.5 million tonnes of CO2 emissions will be reduced, enhancing its significance in Malta's long-term decarbonisation strategy.
This project has been designated as an 'Operation of Strategic Importance' due to its significant contribution to the achievement of national priorities for the 2021-2027 Programme. Following the reprogramming of 2021-2027 cohesion policy funds under the mid-term review, the ERDF funding allocated to the project has increased from €165 million to €261 million from the total investment costs estimated at approximately €300m.