Key Highlights
- Critical offshore phase approaching - Manufacturing of the IC2 submarine cable has been completed, with loadout from Charleston expected in December and cable laying operations planned to commence thereafter.
- Preparations are also underway for the approximately 300m HDD tunnel in Sicily, a key milestone for connecting the offshore and onshore cable sections.
- Land cable installation nearly complete - Approximately 92% of the 21km high-voltage land cable route in Sicily has already been installed, with only the final 1.7km remaining. This section will be completed following completion of the HDD works, enabling the connection of the submarine and land cable systems.
- Major works progressing at Ragusa Terminal Station - Infrastructure works required for the integration of IC2 into Italy's transmission network are advancing, including foundations for the new hybrid switchgear, cable trenches linking the switchgear to the 220kV reactor, and additional fire protection infrastructure to support the project's final implementation phase.
The IC2 project continues to register significant progress, with works advancing simultaneously across several key workstreams in Sicily.
During a site visit to Ragusa, journalists were briefed on the latest developments by Interconnect Malta and the various contractors delivering the project.
The visit followed the temporary shutdown of the first interconnector (IC1), which was required to facilitate a critical phase of works within the Ragusa Terminal Station and associated infrastructure works linked to the completion of IC2. The shutdown forms part of a carefully coordinated programme between Interconnect Malta, Enemalta, Terna and the project's contractors aimed at bringing the second interconnector closer to commissioning.
A key stop during the visit was the cable landing area, near to the Porto Turistico in Ragusa where Ragusa Xpress operates. Here preparations are currently underway for the execution of a Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) operation. The HDD works involve the construction of a tunnel approximately 300m long with a bore diameter of 800mm, which will facilitate the transition of the submarine cable from the seabed to the onshore infrastructure while minimising environmental and coastal impacts.
Minister Dr Miriam Dalli met representatives from Nexans, the contractor responsible for the manufacture and installation of the submarine cable linking Malta and Sicily.
Nexans explained the technical complexity of the HDD operation, describing it as one of the most critical remaining activities on the project's delivery schedule given that now the cable manufacturing has been completed. The company confirmed that loadout of the cable from its Charleston manufacturing facility is expected towards December, with cable laying operations targeted to commence thereafter.
The delegation also met representatives from SELT S.p.A., who are responsible for the installation of approximately 21 kilometres of underground high-voltage land cable in Sicily. SELT confirmed that approximately 92% of the cable route has already been laid, with only circa 1.7km remaining. The final section will be installed following completion of the HDD works, enabling the connection between the submarine cable and the terrestrial cable network. The company further explained that, out of the 21 joint bays constructed along the route, high-voltage cable jointing is pending in only six locations, reflecting the careful optimisation of the cable installation design.
The visit concluded at the Ragusa Terminal Station, where the Minister met representatives from Terna Energy Solutions, who are carrying out substantial infrastructure works required for the integration of IC2 into Italy's transmission network. Works currently underway include the construction of foundations for the new hybrid gas-insulated switchgear disconnectors, the installation of cable trenches linking the switchgear to the newly installed 220 kV shunt reactor, as well as the construction of additional fire protection walls.
"The progress achieved across the various work fronts demonstrates the scale and complexity of this strategically important project. From the start of the HDD works, to the near completion of the land cable route and the extensive upgrades being undertaken at the Ragusa Terminal Station, significant milestones are being achieved as we move closer to the final phases of implementation. The Second Interconnector is a key component of Malta's long-term energy strategy and will strengthen security of supply while supporting the country's transition towards a more sustainable and resilient energy system," Dr Miriam Dalli said.
IC2 forms a central part of Malta's long-term energy infrastructure programme and is identified under the Energy, Climate and Environmental Transformation pillar of Malta's Vision 2050. Once commissioned, the Second Interconnector will double Malta's electricity interconnection capacity with continental Europe, strengthen national security of supply, provide greater operational flexibility to the electricity system and support the country's ongoing decarbonisation objectives.
"As electricity demand continues to grow and the energy landscape evolves rapidly, projects such as IC2 are essential to provide the flexibility, resilience and capacity required to support future economic growth, facilitate increased renewable energy integration and maintain a secure and reliable electricity supply for the Maltese Islands,” Enemalta Executive Chairperson Ryan Fava said.
Interconnect Malta Chairperson Godwin Agius commented, “The level of coordination required between multiple international contractors, network operators and technical specialists highlights the complexity of delivering infrastructure of this nature. It is encouraging to witness substantial progress being registered simultaneously across all major project components. The milestones being achieved on site today are the culmination of many years of planning, permitting, stakeholder engagement and technical development. They reflect the collective contribution of European financing institutions, government and regulatory authorities, diplomatic stakeholders, network operators, contractors, consultants and project teams across both Malta and Italy. I would like to thank all those involved for their dedication, collaboration and shared commitment to transforming the project from a vision into reality."
The project is co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), supporting Malta’s efforts to build a more resilient and sustainable energy system.
