Manufacture, testing of second interconnector completed
Cable-laying to start later this year
Manufacture and testing of Malta's second electricity interconnector has been successfully completed, clearing another hurdle ahead of cable laying between Sicily and Malta.
The manufacture of the 103 km high-voltage subsea cable was carried out at Nexans’ Charleston facility in the USA and was followed by comprehensive factory testing to ensure operational integrity.
The cable was then securely spooled onto a carousel, ready for loading onto a cable-laying vessel.
Cable laying is scheduled to commence later this year.
“This achievement marks a major step forward in the delivery of the IC2. The successful manufacturing and testing of the subsea cable, together with the completion of preparatory offshore works, is another important step that helps us advance to the installation phase. The IC2 project is a strategic investment aimed at enhancing Malta’s electricity interconnection with mainland Europe, increasing resilience, supporting the integration of renewable energy, and contributing to the country’s long-term energy transition goals,” Energy Minister Miriam Dalli said.
The manufacturing process included several specialised stages, beginning with the production of the fibre optic cables in Norway and the drawing of the copper conductors to the required shape and size. After the insulation and sheath extrusion processes, the three cable phases were then assembled together with the fibre optic cables and fillers to form the complete subsea cable. This was followed by the armouring process, which provides the cable with the structural integrity and mechanical protection required for subsea installation and long-term operation.
The cable was produced in sections of approximately 10km each, which were subsequently joined within the factory to form two main cable lengths. One of these lengths also includes the spare cable, which will be stored in Malta for future contingency and repair purposes.
Clearance of the undersea route between Sicily and Malta was completed last week, with workers needing to clear a significant number of unexploded World War II bombs among other obstacles.
The €300 million project is being handled by Interconnect Malta, a government agency and has benefited from €261 million in EU funding.