Works on Enemalta’s new electricity distribution centre in Siġġiewi have reached an important milestone, with the building structure now nearing completion and installation of key electrical infrastructure underway.
Enemalta Minister for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness Miriam Dalli, together with Minister for European Funds and Implementation of the Electoral Manifesto Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi and Enemalta Executive Chairman Ing. Ryan Fava, visited the site to review the progress achieved as the project moves steadily towards completion.
The building structure is now almost complete and works have progressed to the installation of the new switchgear, an essential component of the distribution centre’s electrical infrastructure. Around 70km of cables are also being laid.
Project to enhance supply for around 12,000 customers
Once completed, the new 33/11kV distribution centre will be equipped with two 30MVA transformers and modern switchgear, enabling it to meet both current and future electricity demand in the area. The facility will enhance electricity supply for around 12,000 customers in Siġġiewi, Ħaż-Żebbuġ, Ħal Qormi, Mqabba and Qrendi, while also reducing the load on existing distribution centres in other parts of the network.
During the visit, the Ministers and Enemalta representatives met with engineers, contractors, and workers on site, thanking them for their continued dedication and efforts which are enabling the project to advance steadily.
“The Siġġiewi Distribution Centre is one of three distribution centres that we are currently working on and will be delivering in the coming months. These are DCs that form part of our nine-year plan at Enemalta to continue strengthening the distribution network in our country. They are also part of our contribution to the long-term vision leading up to 2050, because ultimately we want to have an electricity system that is resilient and prepared not only for today’s needs but also for those of tomorrow,” said Minister Miriam Dalli.
Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi said that this project shows how investments from the EU is being used to strengthen crucial infrastructure for the country and to enable Malta to continue moving forward in the energy transition. “This investment will further strengthen Malta’s electricity network and improve the stability and security of the energy supply. At the same time, projects like these help us continue integrating more renewable energy sources into the national grid and contribute to European objectives related to the European Green Deal and the REPowerEU initiative,” said Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi. The Minister also added that the works on the Siġġiewi Distribution Centre will be another step towards a more modern and resilient energy infrastructure for the country
The Siġġiewi Distribution Centre forms part of Enemalta’s ongoing investment in strengthening and modernising Malta’s electricity distribution network. At the same time, works are also progressing at a steady pace on two other strategic distribution centres in Naxxar and Msida. These three distribution centres form part of a wider programme of investments aimed at reinforcing the resilience and capacity of Malta’s electricity distribution system.
“The progRess achieved at the Siġġiewi Distribution Centre represents an important milestone in Enemalta’s continued investment in strengthening Malta’s electricity infrastructure. Together with the projects currently underway in Naxxar and Msida, these new distribution centres will significantly enhance the resilience, flexibility and capacity of our electricity distribution network. These projects also form part of Enemalta’s nine-year plan to strengthen and modernise Malta’s distribution network, which was launched earlier this year. This ambitious programme will continue to deliver major investments in infrastructure across the country to ensure that Malta’s electricity system remains robust, reliable and prepared to meet future energy demands,” Enemalta Executive Chairman Ing. Ryan Fava stated, while also expressing his appreciation to the engineers, contractors and workers involved in the projects for their continuous dedication and professionalism, which are enabling works to progress efficiently across all three sites.
The project is co-financed by the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRP).
Photos: MEEC
