New civil works in Ragusa are commencing for the installation of a new hybrid
\nswitchgear, marking another important milestone for the Second Interconnector
\n(IC2) project.<\/p>\n
The work requires the rerouting of certain IC1 control cables.
\nAs a safety measure, IC1 will undergo a coordinated three\u2011day shutdown, planned
\njointly by Interconnect Malta, Enemalta, Terna Energy Solutions, and the Italian
\nTransmission System Operator<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.
\nIn addition, civil works will be undertaken on site to construct the housing for a fire\u2011water
\ntank required to support the site\u2019s fire\u2011protection and fire\u2011retardant systems.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are moving forward with a series of strategic initiatives designed to strengthen the
\ncountry\u2019s long term energy framework. Upgrades to the distribution network are underway,
\nand substantial progress is being made in expanding Malta\u2019s renewable energy portion and
\ndeploying large\u2011scale battery storage. The second interconnector is also advancing as
\nplanned. Collectively, these efforts will reinforce energy security and enable a more diverse
\nand sustainable renewable energy mix.\u201d Minister Dr. Miriam Dalli said.<\/p>\n
These works have been planned well in advance and scheduled during suitable operational
\nwindows to minimise any potential impact on the national grid. Enemalta, in close
\ncoordination 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\u2019s electricity system.<\/p>\n
The public is therefore encouraged to remain at ease, as these temporary measures are part of a broader, long-term strategy to strengthen Malta\u2019s energy infrastructure, enhance security of supply, and support the transition towards a more resilient and sustainable energy mix.
\n\u201cThroughout the duration of these important and carefully coordinated works, including the
\ntemporary shutdown of the first interconnector (IC1) and the ongoing interventions
\nassociated with Interconnector 2 (IC2), Malta\u2019s electricity supply will remain stable. During
\nthis 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\u2019s needs.\u201d, said Ing. Fava, Enemalta\u2019s Executive Chairman
\nIn\u0121.<\/p>\n
Steve Farrugia Executive Director at Interconnect Malta,\u00a0emphasized\u00a0the criticality of
\nthese 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.<\/p>\n
The upcoming civil works for the installation of the hybrid switchgear requires the
\ntemporary deviation of IC1 control cables, and, as a precaution, a three\u2011day shutdown of IC1 has been jointly scheduled. These activities have been planned in full coordination with
\nEnemalta to align with a suitable operational window, and our teams will be working together throughout the execution of the required works.
\nIC2 plays a pivotal role in the Government\u2019s energy strategy and is highlighted as a planned project within the \u2018Energy, Climate & Environmental Transformation\u2019 priority of Malta\u2019s Vision 2050.<\/p>\n
IC2 is designed to double Malta\u2019s electricity interconnection capacity and strengthen
\nnational security of supply. By reducing dependence on locally generated fossil fuel power
\nand enabling greater uptake of large\u2011scale renewable energy, IC2 will contribute directly to
\nMalta\u2019s ongoing green transition. The project is co\u2011financed by the European Union through
\nthe European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), underlining a shared commitment
\nbetween Malta and the EU to building a more resilient and sustainable energy system.<\/p>\n