Production of Malta-Sicily second interconnector in progress in Norway and US

Production works on the second electricity interconnector cable between Malta and Sicily are well underway. Current project activity related to the submarine cable is focused on two key areas: fibre optic production at Nexans’ facility in Rognan, Norway, and high-voltage subsea cable manufacturing at the company’s plant in Charleston, South Carolina.

The production of the fibre optic elements has commenced, following the signing of the contract between the Maltese Government and Nexans. Nexans is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of cable systems and services, specializing in the offshore wind market and subsea interconnectors. The fibre optic elements will be integrated into the high-voltage subsea cable. This phase of the project is taking place at Nexans’ facilities in Rognan, Norway, and marks another significant milestone in the strategic infrastructure project.

Approximately half of the 104km total fibre optic cable length required, has already been produced, tested, and shipped to Nexans’ factory in Charleston (SC), USA. The Charleston facility is responsible for manufacturing and testing high-voltage cables.

This significant update comes after the formal contract signing in Malta in April of this year.  This €300 million project has been designated as an ‘Operation of Strategic Importance’ due to its significant contribution to the achievement of Malta’s priorities for the 2021-2027 ERDF Programme of the European Union.  The ERDF funding allocated to the Project amounts to €165 million and will cover more than half of the total investment costs, highlighting its importance to regional and national energy strategies. Once completed, the 245kV submarine cable will double Malta’s connectivity to the European energy grid.

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. 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.

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