Basic engineering tender issued for third interconnector
Interconnector will complement existing interconnector, and a second interconnector, which is currently in the works
The government has issued a basic engineering tender for a third interconnector between Malta and Sicily.
Robert Abela had announced Malta's plans for a third interconnector on April 30, in the middle of an election campaign.
The interconnector will complement the existing interconnector, opened in 2015, as well as a second interconnector, which is currently in the works.
Similar to the first and second interconnectors, this new interconnection will operate in a bi-directional mode. However, it will be connected at a higher voltage of 380kV, compared to the 220kV of IC1 and IC2. This 380kV connection will link directly to Italy’s national grid.
On Monday, the government said Interconnect Malta had issued a tender for the project’s basic engineering.
“The issuing of this tender marks a key step forward for Malta’s third electricity interconnector, launching the basic engineering phase that will guide the project’s design and permitting stages," IC CEO Ismail D’Amato said.
"The project will create a modern, flexible link starting at 200MW with the possibility to expand to 400MW, using the best available technologies and routes to ensure reliability and efficiency. Overall, the interconnector will strengthen Malta’s energy supply and support renewable energy."