Sicily approves second interconnector project, paving the way for Rome’s go-ahead

Sicily, officially the Regione Siciliana, has given its go-ahead for Malta to develop its second interconnector (IC2), which will strengthen the island’s network connection with mainland Europe, a statement by Interconnect Malta read.

“This formal approval, known as the Intesa Finale, marks an important milestone for implementing the IC2. The last remaining step in the Italian application process is the final authorisation of the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE). Earlier this year, MASE concluded a consultation process with a positive outcome.”

Welcoming the news, Minister for Energy Miriam Dalli conveyed her gratitude to the President of the Sicilian Region, Renato Schifani,  for the strong collaboration. “The second interconnector is an important enabler of our electricity vision, aimed at achieving a sustainable energy future by increasing the share of renewable energy, thereby advancing our nation’s decarbonisation ambitions,” Minister Dalli said.

A 122-kilometre, high-voltage alternating current electrical cable interconnection, including a 99-kilometre submarine cable, will be developed through this project doubling Malta’s current electricity interconnection with the European network.

“In parallel with the Italian permitting process, Interconnect Malta (ICM) has also been actively working on the tendering processes for the various engineering, procurement and construction contracts and support services to make the IC2 project a reality. Last week, a Prior information notice (PIN) was issued for the manufacturing and installation, including civil works, of a 132kV, 50-120MVAr, variable shunt reactor for the Maghtab Terminal Station, Malta, forming part of the overall IC2 infrastructure,” the statement read.

Commenting on this milestone, ICM CEO Ismail D’Amato said: “This positive outcome brings us one step closer to securing the necessary development permit in Italy. It is a key enabler for advancing in the execution of IC2, which is now entering the implementation phase. We are closer to consolidating all the work carried out since the project’s inception.”

IC2 is being co-financed by the European Union under the European Regional Development Fund 2021-2027.

The 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’.

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, Interconnect Malta said. “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.”

PN welcomes news of second interconnector

The Nationalist Party has welcomed the news of the approval by Sicilian authorities for the placement of the second interconnector with Italy and hopes that the Italian Government now grants its final approval as soon as possible.

“The interconnector policy is the result of strategies adopted by various Nationalist Governments for both the first and second interconnectors. This is another project becoming a reality thanks to the PN’s long-term vision and the policies implemented by PN Governments in the energy sector in the past. A project like this is important for the security of energy supply to sustain our country’s economy,” the PN said in a statement signed by the party’s MP Ryan Callus.

“While reminding that Labour was sceptical about the interconnector, the PN points out that this second interconnector project became a reality thanks to European funds,” the PN said.

“Now that Malta’s electricity supply with Europe will be doubled thanks to this project, one can only hope that we won’t continue to hear the Government blaming the interconnector every time there is a power outage.”