The project consists of the construction of a 122 km alternating current subsea electricity interconnector, operating at a nominal voltage of 220 kV and a frequency of 50 Hz, with a transmission capacity of 225 MW. The cable will connect the Enemalta terminal station in Magħtab, Malta, to Terna’s substation at Contrada Cimillà in Ragusa, Sicily. The operation also benefits from earlier EIB Advisory support during project preparation, including the assessment of its financial and economic viability, ensuring the project’s maturity, financing eligibility and compliance with relevant EU requirements.

“The second interconnector is an important investment in Malta’s long-term economic stability. By strengthening our energy infrastructure, we reduce vulnerability to external shocks, improve supply security, and support stable energy prices for households and businesses,” Minister for Finance Clyde Caruana stated.

Scheduled to enter into operation in the first quarter of 2027, the interconnector will increase electricity interconnection capacity between Malta and Italy, enabling electricity imports from the EU market, strengthening security of supply and grid stability, and supporting demand growth and the integration of renewable energy in line with Malta’s decarbonisation objectives.

“Electricity interconnectors are essential to a secure, integrated and decarbonised European energy system. By backing Malta’s second interconnector with Italy, the EIB is strengthening energy security, facilitating cross-border electricity exchange and renewable integration, while ensuring that growing demand can be met in a reliable and sustainable manner. This project reflects the EIB’s key role in supporting strategic energy infrastructure across Europe,” EIB Vice-President Marek Mora stated.

The total project cost is estimated at 296.68 million euros, financed by EU funds under the European Regional Development Fund with 165.78 million euros, alongside the EIB loan and the Republic of Malta’s own resources. The EU Bank also provided advisory support through JASPERS, a joint initiative of the EIB and the European Commission, offering guidance on project design, procurement and implementation to ensure a robust technical framework and smooth delivery of this strategic infrastructure.

The Government of Malta will retain ownership of the assets. Interconnect Malta, a 100% government-owned company, is responsible for issuing tenders, implementing the project, and operating the assets under a public service obligation. The full interconnector capacity will be made available to Enemalta, Malta’s electricity distribution system operator, under a capacity agreement, with an annual tariff charged for its use.

The EIB in Malta

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has been supporting the Maltese economy since before the country’s accession to the European Union, with its first project signed in 1979 to help expand the commercial port of Valletta Grand Harbour. Since then, the EIB Group’s financing in Malta has exceeded €1 billion, aiding vital sectors such as SME access to finance, urban regeneration, climate action, and telecommunications. The EIB has also supported landmark infrastructure projects that have transformed the heart of Valletta, including the Parliament building and the open-air theatre at the City Gate. As the EU’s long-term lending institution, the EIB remains committed to promoting sustainable investment and fostering economic resilience in Malta and across Europe.

The post EIB backs with €100 million Malta’s energy transition through second electricity interconnector with Italy first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

Addressing social partners at a specially-convened MCESD meeting, Abela said that both oil and gas supply lines remain secure and confirmed that energy subsidies will continue. He described the government’s approach as one that prioritises ongoing support for households and enterprises, even in the face of rising global uncertainty.

Referring to recent data published by Eurostat, the prime minister noted that inflation across the euro area rose from 1.9% to 2.6% between February and March. He contrasted this with Malta’s performance, stating that inflation locally declined during the same period and is expected to continue easing in the months ahead.

“While no one expected this situation to happen, we were prepared,” Abela said, pointing to the government’s handling of previous crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. He acknowledged that current global economic pressures may be more intense than those experienced in 2020 or 2022 but maintained that the government has consistently charted a clear path forward.

Looking ahead, Abela said Malta’s energy infrastructure will be strengthened with the completion of a second electricity interconnector later this year. He added that discussions are already underway on the possibility of a third interconnector to further secure supply.

Energy Minister Miriam Dalli also moved to reassure the public, emphasising that the government’s energy policy rests on two main pillars: price stability and security of supply. She dismissed warnings by the opposition regarding Malta’s liquefied natural gas supply as “irresponsible” and “partisan.”

Dalli confirmed that current arrangements guarantee energy supply until August, when the existing contract with Electrogas is due to expire. She added that preparations for the period beyond that deadline are already underway, with several potential suppliers expressing interest in continuing to provide energy to Malta.

“We realise people are concerned when they hear about global developments, but there is no reason for alarm,” Dalli said, reiterating that both price stability and supply will continue to be safeguarded.

Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue Andy Ellul highlighted the importance of ongoing consultation between stakeholders, describing social dialogue as a key strength in Malta’s decision-making process. He said the council provides a platform where all parties can come together to discuss issues of national importance in a constructive manner.

The government’s message throughout the meeting remained consistent: despite international instability, Malta’s energy sector is secure, with plans in place to ensure both immediate stability and long-term resilience.

The post Government tells MCESD energy prices will remain stable despite global tensions first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

Energy Minister Miriam Dalli, together with the Regulator for Energy and Water Services (REWS), launched the 2026 renewable energy initiatives to continue accelerating Malta’s transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy, a government statement said.

“This package reflects government’s continued commitment to move forward in Malta’s energy transition. We are investing in both large-scale infrastructure and households, ensuring families and businesses benefit from cleaner, more affordable energy while strengthening national energy security and resilience,” Dalli said.

REWS CEO Ing. Maria Aquilina said that these initiatives are designed to make renewable energy more accessible at every level.

“From major projects to household systems, REWS remains committed to supporting applicants through clear guidance and effective implementation,” Aquilina said.

The package includes renewable energy initiatives for households and industries in three separate categories.

These include household grant schemes coupled with a Feed-in Tariff supporting investment in photovoltaic systems and battery storage; Feed-in Tariff for installations below 40kWp (applicable to both residential and non-residential); and 2026 Invitations to Bid (ITBs) for large-scale renewable energy projects.

Through the ITBs, government will offer 20-year contracts for a premium per kilowatt-hour (kWh) generated, the statement said.

Projects will be selected through a competitive pay-as-bid process based on cost efficiency and available capacity.

In 2026, two calls consisting of one ITB for each of the categories 40kW up to less than 200kW and 200kW up to less than 1MW, will run concurrently, it said.

The statement said that the capacity available for allocation in each call will be 2.5MW (40kW up to less than 200kW) and 5000kW (200kW up to less than 1MW).

This means that a total of 15MW will be available for allocation. The bid price will be capped at €0.14 /kWh, it said.

A separate call for renewable energy installations of 1MW or more will have a capacity allocation of 38MW.

The maximum allowed bid price will be between €0.094/kWh and €0.177/kWh, depending on the type and category of installation.

The statement said that households and non-households that install a small-scale photovoltaic system below 40kWp, and do not benefit from a grant, will continue to receive a Feed-in Tariff of €0.15/kWh, guaranteed for 20 years with a total allocation of 8MWp in 2026.

Over the past three years, 9.2MWp were offered a Feed-in Tariff of €0.15/kWh without a grant. In parallel, REWS will be administering renewable energy schemes for households with a total budget of €15.3 million, including €4.1 million for photovoltaic systems and €11.2 million for battery storage.

Applications open on 20 April, and will remain available until November 2026, or until funds are exhausted, the statement said.

The RES grant scheme offers three options: a PV system with a hybrid inverter; a Hybrid/Battery inverter and battery storage; or battery storage only.

Owners of PV installations on residential premises (even those that do not benefit from any aid on the PV system i.e. no feed-in tariff or grant) and connected to the grid for at least six years may apply for a Hybrid/Battery inverter and battery storage.

An additional 5% financial incentive for the grant scheme will be available for equipment compliant with the EU’s Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA), which promotes the production and adoption of clean energy technologies across Europe, the statement said.

The post Government launches new €15 million renewable energy schemes for 2026 first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

This campaign follows the completion of a detailed survey, which was undertaken to further refine the submarine cable route between Malta and Sicily, the company said. During this survey, several magnetic targets were identified buried under the seabed that require further investigation to confirm their nature and ensure the route is safe for the installation of the submarine electricity cable.

A total of 707 magnetic targets were initially detected during the survey. Following desktop post-survey analysis, this number was reduced to 393 targets requiring further investigation. As a precautionary measure, the Identification and Clearance campaign will investigate these targets via specialized equipment and remove or relocate any obstacles that may pose a risk to the safe installation of the interconnector cable.

These features, located beneath the seabed, became visible only during the detailed survey stage, when investigations were limited to a precise 8-metre-wide sub-seabed corridor. Earlier preliminary route studies do not provide this level of resolution, as they are conducted across a much wider corridor and are not intended to identify such anomalies. While the discovery of these anomalies presented an additional technical challenge for the project, the issue was promptly addressed through the launch of the Identification and Clearance campaign to ensure that the route can be verified and prepared for safe cable installation.

The campaign will involve specialised offshore vessels and remotely operated equipment to inspect each identified target along the route. Where objects are confirmed not to pose a risk, they will either be recovered or safely managed on site. In the event that an object is identified as unexploded ordnance, the response will be coordinated with the relevant authorities, including the Armed Forces of Malta and the Italian authorities, to determine the appropriate course of action in accordance with established safety procedures.

The works will involve a multidisciplinary team of offshore survey specialists, divers, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal experts, supported by specialised vessels and equipment. Activities will vary by location and water depth, from deep‑water investigations at around 170 metres using remotely operated vehicles, to diver‑assisted inspections in shallower areas. These operations form part of the IC2 project and are essential to confirming that the submarine cable route is safe, and compliant with international standards before cable laying begins.

Inġ. Christian Spiteri, Manager at Interconnect Malta, stated that “the transition to the ID&C phase represents a significant step in the project’s timeline.” He noted that “The Identification and Clearance campaign represents an important technical step in preparing the seabed route for the Second Interconnector. Ensuring that the route is free from potential hazards is essential for the safe installation of the submarine cable and for the protection of personnel involved in the works. This process reflects the rigorous engineering and safety standards that guide the project as we continue progressing towards its next phase.”

“The Second Malta-Sicily Interconnector is a central element of Malta’s long‑term energy strategy and features prominently within the ‘Energy, Climate & Environmental Transformation’ priority of Malta’s Vision 2050. Once operational, it will double the country’s interconnection capacity, strengthen security of supply, and help drive Malta’s shift toward a more sustainable and resilient energy system.” Remarked the Hon. Dr Miriam Dalli Minister for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness on this technical milestone. 

The project is co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), reflecting the shared commitment of Malta and the European Union to investing in strategic infrastructure that supports energy security and the green transition.

The post Second interconnector: Identification, clearance phase starts after completion of marine survey first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

The supplies tender for the Design, Supply, and Installation of a 245kV 1x250MVA Auto-Transformer, alongside 1x120MVAr and 1x240MVAr Variable Shunt Reactors, has now commenced at the BEST manufacturing plant in Turkey. This transition ensures that the essential assets required for the successful operation of the second interconnector remain on track for delivery. 

The €20.2 million contract is being delivered by the local contractor AG Installations, working in close collaboration with their supplier, BEST.  

“We’re pushing forward with the implementation of our energy strategy, delivering projects that matter. We’re making significant investments in our distribution infrastructure, accelerating renewable energy growth, leading the way on battery storage, and progressing on the development of the second interconnector. Together, these initiatives will strengthen our energy security and transform our energy mix by unlocking more renewable energy opportunities.” Minister Dr. Miriam Dalli said.

Inġ. Ismail D’Amato, Chief Executive Officer of Interconnect Malta, emphasized the significance of this phase: “The commencement of manufacturing of the reactors and transformer marks an important milestone in the implementation of IC2. These components are not merely infrastructure; they are the pillars that ensure grid stability and voltage control, without which energy cannot be transmitted through the interconnector. Through its supervision, Interconnect Malta is supporting the delivery of a strategic asset designed to achieve high levels of reliability for the national network. ” 

These specific components, namely, the auto transformer and variable shunt reactors, are required for voltage regulation and reactive power control. Their integration is essential for maintaining the overall stability of the national grid and ensuring the safe, efficient transfer of electricity between Malta and Sicily. 

The Second Interconnector serves as a cornerstone of the Government’s energy strategy, designed to double Malta’s interconnection capacity and significantly enhance security of supply.  

By reducing reliance on local fossil-fuel generation and facilitating the integration of large-scale renewable energy, IC2 is pivotal to the nation’s green transition. This strategic investment is co-financed by the European Union under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening Malta’s energy resilience and sustainability within the European market. 

The post Manufacturing commences on critical infrastructure for second Malta–Sicily Interconnector first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

With the unanimous Planning Authority’s approval secured, the project is now at design stage. Following the completion of this phase, works will commence in the coming months. The project will include advanced odour control systems and sound mitigation measures to ensure the plant operates in harmony with its surroundings.

The upgrade will also increase the production of New Water, providing farmers with a dependable source of reclaimed water while reducing the demand on natural groundwater resources.

Water Services Corporation CEO Karl Cilia said this project represents a responsible and forward- looking investment in Malta’s wastewater infrastructure. “Now that the tender process has been completed and the contract signed, we are ready to deliver a modern facility that prioritises water quality, environmental protection, and community well-being. This project will ensure cleaner, quieter, and more efficient operations at Iċ-Ċumnija.”

This investment forms part of WSC’s €377 million National Investment Plan, aimed at strengthening water and wastewater infrastructure across Malta and Gozo.’

Minister for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness Miriam Dalli emphasised the environmental importance of the investment: “This upgrade shows how we improve essential infrastructure while respecting the natural environment. By ensuring higher-quality treated effluent, minimising odours, and reducing noise, we are protecting nearby communities and natural habitats while supporting sustainable water reuse.”

The WSC also welcomed the position adopted by the Mellieħa Local Council, which voted in favour of the development permit.

This €33.15 million project reaffirms the Water Services Corporation’s commitment to cleaner water, responsible operations, and lasting environmental stewardship.

The post €33 million contract signed for Iċ-Ċumnija Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

During the meeting, the Government’s long-term plan for the modernisation of service infrastructure in Gozo was presented. This plan looks beyond immediate needs and lays the foundations for a country that is prepared for the future. It was emphasised that this work is not merely an investment in projects, but in essential services that directly affect quality of life and the resilience of the Maltese Islands.

Minister Miriam Dalli stressed that this is a strategic plan that ensures continuity and clear implementation. “We are investing consistently and in a planned manner so that our country’s infrastructure can meet tomorrow’s realities. Gozo is an integral part of this national vision, and the projects being implemented here are designed to strengthen resilience, security, and service quality for the years to come,” said Minister Dalli.

Minister Clint Camilleri stated that this work confirms that Gozo is being given the same importance as Malta in the country’s national development plan. He explained that, “Investment in energy and water is crucial so that Gozitan families and businesses have better, more reliable, and more resilient services. Many of the roads we have upgraded have also been provided with new services, as is being done in Marsalforn Road, in order to reduce inconvenience in the future.”

With regards to the energy sector, discussions focused on two new distribution centres that will be built in Kerċem and Għajnsielem. The latter will accommodate a new 132kV cable that will serve as a new link between Malta and Gozo. This project will modernise and diversify the electricity supply to Gozo and significantly strengthen the system’s resilience, alongside extensive reinforcement works on the distribution network across the island.

In the water services sector, the Water Services Corporation invested more than €3 million in four major projects over the past year, involving upgrades to water and drainage networks in Nadur, Sannat, and Kerċem. Investment was also made in the Ħondoq Reverse Osmosis plant, while a new reservoir was built at Tas-Seqer to strengthen water supply to western Gozo.

In collaboration with the Ministry for Gozo and local councils, further infrastructure projects were completed in various localities. Work is currently underway on a number of other projects, including the route between Rabat and Marsalforn, network upgrades in several villages, and new investments in pumping stations and reservoirs. In the coming weeks, new works are also expected to begin on various roads, as well as an €8 million project to modernise water networks using environmentally friendly methods.

A crucial environmental project for Gozo was also discussed during the meeting — the upgrade of the sewage treatment plant and polishing plant at Ras il-Ħobż, with an investment of €25 million. This project will significantly enhance environmental services on the island of Gozo. The call for tenders for this project has been published and is expected to close in the coming days.

The Gozo Regional Committee welcomed these plans as an important step but clearly emphasised that Gozo has different realities from Malta, particularly due to its double insularity. The Committee confirmed that it will continue to closely monitor these plans and collaborate with national authorities, while representing the interests of Gozo and its stakeholders. “It was a very important meeting because, naturally, Gozo has a growing population and therefore demand for both water and electricity is continuously increasing,” said GRC Chairperson Michael Galea.

The GRC is a committee within the MCESD, a member of the MCESD Council, and one of the Social Partners representing Gozo.

The Ministers thanked the members of the GRC for their contribution, as well as Enemalta and the WSC for their continuous and professional work, while reiterating the Government’s commitment to continue investing substantially in Gozo so that energy and water supply becomes more stable, modern, and sustainable.

The post Long-term energy and water plans for Gozo discussed with the Gozo Regional Committee first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

A national nine-year plan has been launched to further strengthen and modernise the electricity distribution system in Malta and Gozo, through strong investment in infrastructure, new distribution centres, and additional connections to increase the flexibility and resilience of the national grid.

This was announced during a press conference addressed by the Minister for the Environment and Energy, Miriam Dalli, and Enemalta’s Executive Chairman, Ing Ryan Fava, during which the nine-year national plan to continue reinforcing the country’s energy distribution infrastructure was presented.

The plan includes 12 new distribution centres, a new 132kV link between Malta and Gozo, and specific projects for Gozo, while preparing the system for economic growth and increased demand in the coming years.

During the same press conference, Enemalta also announced new branding under the message “Energy that moves you!”, highlighting its role as an organisation that delivers an essential service to the country and underlining the importance of energy in our daily lives.

In her comments, Minister Miriam Dalli stressed that this plan forms part of a broader government vision that plans for the long term while acting now. “What we are talking about today is not a plan on paper. It is a plan that is being implemented. After the summer of 2023, we had a choice. We chose to roll up our sleeves. We accelerated the plan, increased investment, and carried out more work in less time. Today we are seeing the results, and we are preparing our country not only for today, but for the realities of five, ten years from now and beyond.” The Minister also emphasised that this is being done while families and businesses continue to benefit from stable energy bills, in contrast to what has happened in many other countries.

Enemalta’s Executive Chairman, Ing Ryan Fava stated, “Through a phased reinforcement programme, Enemalta has already taken significant steps to improve the reliability of the electricity network in Malta and Gozo. These investments are crucial to continue strengthening the resilience of the network and to ensure a more stable and efficient energy supply for families and businesses. Through this Nine-Year Plan, the national energy distribution system will continue to be reinforced and prepared for future challenges. The new branding of Enemalta’s clearly reflects the strategic direction the company is taking to continue to invest in modern, resilient and sustainable infrastructure that meets the country’s needs today while preparing for the future.”

Over the past two years, €90 million have been invested to strengthen the distribution system. In addition, a further €40 million have been invested in new distribution centres, which are expected to be completed by middle of this year.

Work on the grid is already delivering results. The first phase of the reinforcement programme led to the completion of 83 kilometres of new medium-voltage cables and upgrades to low-voltage networks, resulting in a significant reduction in outage durations. In the second phase, a further 63 kilometres of new underground cables were installed, focusing on strengthening capacity and resilience in localities across Malta and Gozo.

The post Nine-year national plan to strengthen the national grid and energy security first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

Invited to preside over the inauguration of this project, the Minister for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness Miriam Dalli praised the private initiative as a showcase of investment in sustainability. 

“Today’s inauguration marks the completion of an extensive renewable energy investment and represents a practical example of how the private sector can contribute directly to our long-term sustainability objectives. Projects like this demonstrate that the transition to clean energy is achievable, scalable, and beneficial both environmentally and economically,” Minister Miriam Dalli said during the inauguration. “By generating a significant portion of its electricity on-site, this organisation is showing genuine commitment to responsible energy use,” she added.

The project was designed to prioritise minimal land intervention and to avoid land disturbance and ensure the site can be fully restored in the future.

“This is exactly the type of forward-looking, sustainable innovation that aligns with our national energy strategy,” Minister Dalli said.

The installation has a total capacity of 830 kWp and is projected to generate approximately 1,286,500 kWh of clean energy per year, reducing an estimated 588 tons of CO₂ emissions annually. The solar farm spans 10,000 square metres.

The project avoided excavation and concrete foundations, instead using recycled aluminium structures secured with Maltese limestone counterweights placed directly on the ground. This approach allows for straightforward dismantling at the end of the installation’s lifecycle, enabling the land to be restored to its original state.

The post Danish Village inaugurates solar farm project set to generate 40% of its energy first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

The newly signed tender covers the final component of onshore electrical and civil infrastructure at the Magħtab Terminal Station, where IC2 will link into the Maltese grid. The scope of work includes the manufacture and installation of a 132kV variable shunt reactor, including civil works, which are expected to commence in the first weeks of next year.

“The second interconnector is a central component of Malta’s long-term energy strategy. By providing additional transmission capacity between Malta and the European network, IC2 will improve the island’s grid’s resilience whilst facilitating greater integration of renewable energy sources. The project is also a cornerstone of Malta’s decarbonisation strategy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting the transition to a cleaner energy mix,” Minister Dr. Miriam Dalli said.

Over the past year, Interconnect Malta Ltd (ICM) has overseen the successful completion of several key stages. Earlier in 2025, Sicily’s Regione Siciliana and Italy’s Environment Ministry granted the approvals required for the project to proceed in Ragusa, Italy.

By April, contracts had been signed by the Department of Contracts for the manufacture and installation of the subsea cable, while in August production was already under way at specialized manufacturing facilities in Norway and the United States.

In September, the project advanced further with the detailed seabed mapping and marine surveys along the planned cable corridor between Malta and Sicily. Moreover, physical cable laying works in Ragusa, over a 21km stretch, are underway with 6km of trenches carried out and 4km of cable laying completed. Foundations in the Ragusa Terminal Station have also hit a new milestone as Terna Energy Solutions Srl are completing the 220kV Shunt Reactor’s foundations’ civil works. Furthermore, following the delivery of 220kV cables, works in Malta also commenced at Maghtab were trenching works are ongoing as to commence the cable laying works soon afterwards. Simultaneously, the manufacturing of the subsea and land cables will continue ahead of the marine and land cable laying operations. Furthermore, in the next months, the manufacturing process of two 220kV shunt reactors and a 220kV/132kV autotransformer will start.  

“ICM has emphasized its commitment to ensure that all work is carried out with full respect for environmental safeguards, with the project being climate proofed and having obtained all Environmental Impact Assessment and development permitting clearances. With the signing of this final EPC contract, IC2 has now entered a delicate execution phase. This milestone represents not only a technical achievement but also a clear signal of progress toward a more secure, sustainable, and interconnected energy future for Malta”. Dr. Ing Joseph Vassallo, ICM Divisional Manager, said.

Information about IC2 an EU Funded Project

The project consists of a new ~122km long 225MW HVAC electrical cable interconnection through a 245kV submarine cable between Malta (Maghtab) and Sicily (Ragusa) to be laid in parallel but at a safe distance to the existing HVAC cable link which was commissioned in 2015.  

This €300 million project was approved for ERDF funding, specifically under Priority 2, ‘Promoting clean and fair energy transition, sustainable wastewater management, and green investment’, and Specific Objective 2.3, ‘Developing smart energy systems, grids, and storage outside the TEN-E network’. The second interconnector will not only increase the security of the electrical supply but will also lead to increased investment in renewable energy, which will help Malta better handle the intermittent nature of green sources like offshore wind and solar. Once completed, the 245kV submarine cable will double Malta’s connectivity to the European energy grid. According to the project’s cost-benefit analysis, 13.5 million tonnes of CO2 emissions will be reduced, enhancing its significance in Malta’s long-term decarbonisation strategy.

This project has been designated as an ‘Operation of Strategic Importance’ due to its significant contribution to the achievement of national priorities for the 2021-2027 Programme.  The ERDF funding allocated to the project amounts to €165 million and will cover more than half of the total investment costs estimated at approximately €300m.

More information can be found at: https://icm.mt/projects/ 

The post IC2 hits other milestones as works are progressing at a fast pace both in Malta and Italy first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.