Second Malta-Sicily Energy Interconnector Progresses
The development of Malta’s second electricity interconnector with Sicily has reached a new milestone, with simultaneous construction works progressing.
The €300 million project, co-financed by the European Union under the 2021–2027 European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) are set to transform the island’s future.
A Maltese delegation, led by Energy Minister Miriam Dalli and European Funds Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, visited Ragusa, Sicily, where trenching and cable installation are currently underway.
At the Ragusa Terminal Station, preparations are being made for the installation of a new transformer and shunt reactor—key components of the interconnector infrastructure. Meanwhile, in Malta, construction at the Magħtab Terminal Station has already seen the completion of a culvert, while production of the project’s onshore and submarine cables is advancing steadily.
The second interconnector will consist of a 122-kilometre high-voltage alternating current (AC) link, including 99 kilometres of submarine cable, with a capacity of 225 mega watts. Once completed, the project will double Malta’s electricity interconnection with the European grid, significantly boosting the island’s energy resilience.
“This second interconnector is a cornerstone of Malta’s long-term energy strategy,” Minister Miriam Dalli said. “It will not only strengthen the stability of our energy supply but also enable greater integration of renewable energy, such as the planned offshore wind farm, supporting Malta’s 2050 decarbonisation targets.”
According to the project’s cost-benefit analysis, the new link is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 13.5 million tonnes. Beyond increasing security of supply, the interconnector is designed to complement Malta’s broader clean energy initiatives, including a 300 mega watts offshore wind project and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Together, these investments will enable a more efficient and flexible grid while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi underlined the significance of the interconnector as Malta’s largest ERDF-funded initiative. “This project is about more than infrastructure—it is about guaranteeing a secure, resilient, and sustainable energy future for our people. Thanks to strong European support, we are delivering projects that once seemed unattainable, now forming part of Malta’s Vision 2050,” he said.
Interconnect Malta chairman Godwin Agius emphasised the project’s long-term benefits: “The second interconnector is a major undertaking, built with cutting-edge technology, that will accelerate Malta’s transition to clean energy and bring the country closer to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Ultimately, this will mean a better quality of life for all.”
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Credit: Ministry for the environment, energy and public cleanliness
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