The Second Interconnector (IC2) project continues to make significant progress at the Ragusa Substation in Sicily, marking another important milestone in the delivery of strategic energy infrastructure for Malta.

During the recent IC1 shutdown, the cable trenches connecting the new hybrid switchgear to the 220kV reactor were completed, together with the modification and installation of HV infrastructure. Following the return of IC1 to service, Terna Energy Solutions continued assembling and installing the new IC2 air-insulated switchgear, allowing critical project activities to proceed while the existing interconnector remained operational.

With these preparatory works substantially complete, the project is progressing towards the next phase of electrical integration. This will involve connecting the newly installed 220 kV reactor to the hybrid switchgear using high-voltage cables routed through the trenches completed during the recent IC1 outage.

The activities planned over the coming days will involve heavy construction machinery and specialised lifting and cable pulling equipment operating within the terminal station. To ensure the safety of personnel and protect existing infrastructure, temporary operational measures will be required. 

Consequently, IC1 will be temporarily taken out of service for approximately eight days from 27 October.

These works represent another important step in the technical integration of the Second Interconnector at Enemalta’s Ragusa Terminal Station. Enemalta is coordinating closely with Interconnect Malta, Terna Energy Solutions and the Italian Transmission System Operator to ensure that the planned activities are carried out safely and efficiently. During the temporary shutdown of IC1, Malta’s electricity requirements will continue to be met through local generation, with the necessary operational arrangements in place throughout the works.

“The works now underway at Enemalta’s Ragusa Terminal Station mark a further important stage in the delivery of the Second Interconnector. This phase requires the temporary shutdown of IC1 to allow specialised works to be carried out safely within the terminal station. Enemalta has made the necessary operational preparations to meet the country’s electricity requirements through local generation throughout this temporary shutdown. Projects such as the Second Interconnector, together with Enemalta’s wider investment programme, including the new distribution centres inaugurated last week, demonstrate our continued commitment to strengthening Malta’s electricity infrastructure and delivering a more resilient and reliable network for Malta and Gozo,” said Inġ. Ryan Fava, Executive Chairman of Enemalta.

Inġ. Steve Farrugia, Executive Director at Interconnect Malta, said: “The progress achieved in Ragusa reflects the extensive planning, coordination and technical expertise required to deliver a strategic infrastructure project of this scale. The completion of the preparatory works and installation of major equipment now enables us to proceed with the next phase of electrical integration, bringing the project another step closer to completion. We remain grateful to our partners, contractors, engineers and stakeholders whose continued commitment and collaboration are making this progress possible.”

Following the completion of these works, installation, integration and testing activities will continue at the terminal station as the project advances towards commissioning later next year.

IC2 forms part of the Government’s long-term vision for Malta’s energy infrastructure. The project will significantly strengthen the country’s security of electricity supply while enabling greater integration of renewable energy sources. It is co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), supporting Malta’s efforts to build a more resilient, sustainable and future-ready 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.