VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Malta-Sicily Interconnector 2 (IC2) project has reached another key milestone with the delivery, transportation and installation of major electrical equipment in both Malta and Sicily, marking further progress towards completion of the strategic energy link.
Operations in Sicily began on 16 July with the unloading of a 240MVAr shunt reactor at Pozzallo Port. The unit was subsequently transported overnight to the Ragusa project site, where it was positioned on its permanent foundation using specialised heavy-lift equipment.
In Malta, the unloading and transportation of a 120MVAr shunt reactor and associated equipment have also been completed. The project’s 250MVA auto transformer has been delivered to the site, with installation works on both units continuing this week.
Energy Minister Miriam Dalli described the development as another significant milestone in the delivery of the project, saying the successful installation of the equipment paves the way for the next phase of works.
She said the second interconnector represents a strategic national investment that will strengthen Malta’s security of electricity supply, improve the resilience of the national grid, support the integration of renewable energy sources and contribute to the country’s long-term sustainability goals.
Interconnect Malta Chief Executive Noel Darmanin said the operation involved transporting and installing exceptionally large and heavy electrical assets, requiring extensive planning and close coordination between specialised transport contractors, engineers, port authorities and other stakeholders.
The €300 million project consists of a new 122-kilometre, 245kV, 225MW electricity cable linking Magħtab in Malta with Ragusa in Sicily. The interconnector, which will run parallel to the existing link commissioned in 2015, has secured €261 million in European Regional Development Fund financing under the 2021-2027 programme and has been designated an Operation of Strategic Importance.
Once commissioned, the second interconnector will double Malta’s connection capacity to the European electricity grid, enhance energy security and help cut carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 13.5 million tonnes through greater integration of renewable energy sources.
– photo Interconnect Malta –
(ITALPRESS).
