Manufacturing of key equipment for Malta’s second interconnector completed

The project to build Malta’s second electricity interconnector with Sicily has reached another milestone, with the manufacturing and testing of key electrical equipment now completed in Türkiye.

Interconnect Malta announced that factory testing has been successfully concluded on a 220kV/132kV autotransformer and two 220kV shunt reactors, infrastructure that will form part of the new interconnector linking Malta and Sicily.

The autotransformer is designed to reduce voltage from the interconnection’s 220kV level to the 132kV level used by Malta’s electricity grid. Meanwhile, the shunt reactors help regulate voltage by absorbing reactive energy, reducing transmission losses and improving overall efficiency.

Environment and Energy Minister Miriam Dalli described the project as a strategic investment for the country.

“The second interconnector is a strategic investment in our future. This project will double our country’s interconnection capacity and will also strengthen our ability to accommodate more renewable energy in our energy mix. It is an important pillar in our ambitious plan to continue increasing renewable energy, both onshore and offshore, while further strengthening resilience and flexibility in this sector in our country.”

The transformer and reactors are currently being dismantled and packaged ahead of their shipment from Türkiye in mid-June. They will then be transported to the ports of Pozzallo in Sicily and Malta’s Grand Harbour before being installed at the Ragusa and Magħtab terminal stations. Installation works are expected to be completed by the end of summer.

Dr Inġ. Joseph Vassallo, Divisional Manager at Interconnect Malta, said the successful completion of manufacturing and testing represents another important step for the project.

“The completion of manufacturing of an autotransformer and two variable shunt reactors all operating at 220kV, and their successful testing at the factory in Turkey is another step forward for the IC2 project. ICM looks forward to having them delivered, installed and commissioned at Maghtab and Ragusa terminal stations ahead of their energization in due course.”

The works form part of the wider Interconnector 2 (IC2) project, which involves several contractors and subcontractors. AG Installations is serving as the main contractor, while BEST is responsible for the design, manufacturing and testing of the transformer and reactor components. SIMI Trasporti has been tasked with transporting the equipment from Türkiye to Sicily and Malta and positioning it at its final locations.

IC2 is intended to double Malta’s interconnection capacity with the European electricity grid and strengthen the security of electricity supply. The project consists of a new 122-kilometre, 225MW high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) submarine cable connecting Magħtab and Ragusa, running parallel to the existing interconnector commissioned in 2015.

According to Interconnect Malta, the additional connection will also facilitate greater integration of renewable energy sources, helping the country manage the intermittent nature of offshore wind and solar power generation. The project’s cost-benefit analysis estimates that it could contribute to a reduction of 13.5 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions over time.

The project carries an estimated investment of €300 million and has been designated an Operation of Strategic Importance under Malta’s 2021–2027 EU funding programme. Following a mid-term review of cohesion funds, European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) support for the project was increased from €165 million to €261 million.