Italy’s Environment Ministry has given its last and final approval to Malta to develop the second interconnector. The official permission was given by the Italian Ministry for the Environment and Energy Security (MASE), allowing Malta to connect the second interconnector through the Italian territory.
Addressing a media briefing, Energy Minister Dr. Miriam Dalli welcomed this important step, which keeps the project on track for final commissioning in the year 2026.
“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,” Minister Dr. Miriam Dalli said.
The last remaining step in the Italian development permit process was Italy’s formal approval. Earlier this year, as part of the same process, MASE concluded a stakeholder consultation process with a positive outcome, and the Sicilian Region issued its green light.
Minister Dalli also thanked her Italian counterpart, Dr. Gilberto Pichetto Fratin for the close cooperation. “The second interconnector will not only provide security of supply but will also enable the increasing share of indigenous renewable energy,” the Minister said.
The project of the second interconnector includes a 122-kilometre, high-voltage alternating current electrical cable interconnection, including a 99-kilometre submarine cable. The project will Malta’s current electricity interconnection with the European network.
In parallel with the Italian permitting process, Interconnect Malta (ICM) has obtained the Maltese development permit and has also been actively working on the tendering processes for the various engineering, procurement and construction contracts and support.
“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,” Dr. Inġ. Joseph Vassallo said.
Aside from this project, Interconnect Malta is also working on the battery energy storage systems (BESS) and is managing the PQQ for the offshore floating wind farm project.
IC2 is being co-financed by the European Union under the European Regional Development Fund 2021-2027.
