Government announces €90 million action plan for Enemalta to reinforce electricity distribution system

Enemalta’s action plan to invest €90 million to reinforce its electricity distribution system was launched on Saturday. This plan is aimed at providing families and businesses with a more stable electricity supply.

Enemalta is the state energy provider and distributor in Malta.

During a press conference, Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development Miriam Dalli explained that Enemalta is accelerating its investment action plan aimed at reinforcing the country’s electricity network.

“Despite the international situation, the Government has ensured a stable electricity supply and tariffs. At the same time, Enemalta is working on modernising the country’s infrastructure to meet the increase in demand,” Minister Dalli said.

Electricity demand is increasing by over 10 per cent every year as a result of economic development and an increase in the population, up until the pandemic hit. In 2018, Malta was found to have the largest population growth among all EU Member States.

Minister Dalli shared that demand for energy is expected to surge by 25 per cent within the next six years. Therefore, investment in Malta’s already struggling energy distribution system has become all the more pertinent.

Media reports earlier this year found that appliances of several residences have suffered malfunction or damage due to daily fluctuations of electricity supply.

“Enemalta is allocating around €15 million every year to reinforce its distribution system. Amongst others, this plan includes an increase of 40 to 50 new substations every year. All new substations are automated.”

The investment in new substation surpasses €2 million annually.  An additional €1.5 million are invested annually in the modernisation of existing substations, including the change of switchgear and automation.

In 2022, more than a quarter of the substations around Malta and Gozo will be automated; by 2027, half of the substations will be automated. Moreover, by 2027, the number of substations is expected to surpass 1,900, of which 950 substations will be automated. This investment will mean that in six years’ time, the country’s electricity network will be fully automated.

In his presentation, Ing Jonathan Scerri emphasised that Enemalta accelerated its projects and work programme as part of the first phase of the action plan.

“With these investments, Enemalta’s distribution system will be able to meet the increased electricity demand, improve stability and reduce the duration of interruptions,” Ing Scerri explained.

Other interventions with this same aim include the change of electricity lines and the installation of line voltage regulators in various localities including Dingli, Imtaħleb and Kalkara.

Other capital investments include the extension of the distribution centres in Tarxien, Imrieħel and Marsaskala and a new distribution centre in Naxxar.

“These projects involve an investment of around €15 million,” stated Ing Scerri.

Minister Dalli added that the country is also working towards having a more stable electricity supply by investing in a second interconnector. With this aim, Enemalta is investing €6 million in a 132kV cable from Magħtab to the Mosta distribution centre.

“I thank Enemalta’s employees and technicians, who are working day and night to meet its clients’ demands and ensure that the country has a stable electricity supply. This is a continuous programme of works, including the regular maintenance of our electricity distribution network,” concluded Miriam Dalli.