New civil works in Ragusa are commencing for the installation of a new hybrid
switchgear, marking another important milestone for the Second Interconnector
(IC2) project.
The work requires the rerouting of certain IC1 control cables.
As a safety measure, IC1 will undergo a coordinated three‑day shutdown, planned
jointly by Interconnect Malta, Enemalta, Terna Energy Solutions, and the Italian
Transmission System Operator
Interconnect Malta is proud to announce that IC2 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. 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.
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.” Minister Dr. 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 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.
The public is therefore encouraged to remain at ease, as 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.
