Second Malta-Italy interconnector gets final approval, commissioning set for 2026

The second interconnector between Malta and Italy has officially been approved in both countries following the final permit from the Italian Ministry for the Environment and Energy Security (MASE).

The IC2 interconnector will consist of a 122-kilometer high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) electrical cable interconnection, including a 99-kilometer submarine cable operating at 220 kV between Maghtab in Malta and Ragusa in Sicily, to be laid in parallel to the existing HVAC cable link which was commissioned in 2015.

Malta’s Planning Authority gave its approval for the development permit at the beginning of 2024, followed by Sicily’s approval 11 months later, known as the Intesa Finale, leaving only final authorization from the MASE to be obtained.

“We are working hard to deliver the projects we have planned as part of our energy vision. We are strengthening our distribution infrastructure, we are supporting the expansion of renewable energy and we are on track to delivering the second interconnector. This will not only strengthen our security of supply, but will also enhance our connection with mainland Europe to enable more renewable energy,” said Malta’s Energy Minister Miriam Dalli.

Interconnect Malta (ICM) has been working on the tendering processes for various engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts and support. In addition to this project, the company is also working on battery energy storage systems (BESS) and managing the PQQ for the offshore floating wind farm project.

“Following the start of civil works in Malta, with the construction of culverts in Maghtab already underway, this favourable outcome will allow us also to initiate works on the 21km stretch between Marina di Ragusa and Ragusa in Italy and in due course, in the channel between the two states,” said Dr. Ing. Joseph Vassallo.

This second Malta-Sicily cable link is part of the Maltese Government’s future energy strategy for meeting the 2030 climate and energy targets and the longer-term decarbonization objectives.

The project, co-financed by the European Union under the European Regional Development Fund 2021-2027, is expected to be commissioned in 2026.