First Interconnector to shut down for three days for works linked to second cable
The existing interconnector linking Malta to the European power grid will be shut down for three days as works on the second cable take place, Interconnect and Enemalta said Saturday.
IC2 (Interconnector 2) has hit another milestone as Terna Energy Solutions Srl will be commencing civil works for the installation of a hybrid switchgear in Ragusa after completion of the 220kV reactor’s foundations, the statement said.
It did not give a date as to when the three day shutdown will take place.
These civil works will require certain IC1 control cables to be rerouted from the area where a new hybrid switchgear will be installed, and as a precaution and safety measure, ICM has coordinated with Enemalta, who will be actively participating in the rerouting activities, and the Italian Transmission System Operator, for IC1 to be shut down for 3 days.
The hybrid switchgear will be installed to connect a new spare 220kV shunt reactor to either IC1 or IC2 when a dedicated cable-connected shunt reactor needs to be placed out of service, the statement said.
In addition, civil works will be undertaken on site to construct the housing for a fire‑water tank required to support the site’s fire‑protection and fire‑retardant systems.
“We are moving forward with a series of strategic initiatives designed to strengthen the country’s long term energy framework. Upgrades to the distribution network are underway, and substantial progress is being made in expanding Malta’s renewable energy portion and deploying large‑scale battery storage. The second interconnector is also advancing as planned. Collectively, these efforts will reinforce energy security and enable a more diverse and sustainable renewable energy mix,” Energy Minister Miriam Dalli said.
These works have been planned well in advance and scheduled during suitable operational windows to minimise any potential impact on the national grid. Enemalta, in close coordination with Interconnect Malta, and the relevant international partners, has undertaken all necessary preparatory measures to ensure continuity of service, the statement said. The Delimara generation units will be operating in a state of readiness to seamlessly compensate for the temporary unavailability of the interconnector, thereby safeguarding the stability of Malta’s electricity system.
These temporary measures are part of a broader, long-term strategy to strengthen Malta’s energy infrastructure, enhance security of supply, and support the transition towards a more resilient and sustainable energy mix.
“Throughout the duration of these important and carefully coordinated works, including the temporary shutdown of the first interconnector (IC1) and the ongoing interventions associated with Interconnector 2 (IC2), Malta’s electricity supply will remain stable. During this period, the necessary electricity demand will be fully met through local generation at the Delimara power station, which has sufficient capacity and operational flexibility to reliably support the country’s needs.”, said Ing. Fava, Enemalta’s Executive Chairman
Inġ. Steve Farrugia Executive Director at Interconnect Malta, emphasized the criticality of these works: “As part of the wider IC2 project, works in Ragusa are progressing in close coordination with Enemalta, Terna Energy Solutions, and the Italian Transmission System Operator. The upcoming civil works for the installation of the hybrid switchgear requires the temporary deviation of IC1 control cables, and, as a precaution, a three‑day shutdown of IC1 has been jointly scheduled. These activities have been planned in full coordination with Enemalta to align with a suitable operational window, and our teams will be working together throughout the execution of the required works.”
IC2 plays a pivotal role in the Government’s energy strategy and is highlighted as a planned project within the ‘Energy, Climate & Environmental Transformation’ priority of Malta’s Vision 2050. IC2 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 large‑scale renewable energy, IC2 will contribute directly to Malta’s ongoing green transition. The project is co‑financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), underlining a shared commitment between Malta and the EU to building 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, the statement said. 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.
RSS Feed Source: Independent Malta First Interconnector to shut down for three days for works linked to second cable