Why does Malta need a second interconnector if it already has one?

The second interconnector provides vital redundancy; a single cable leaves Malta vulnerable to blackouts if damaged by ship anchors or geothermal activity, as occurred in 2019. Additionally, the extra 225 MW capacity is essential to meet rising electricity demand and to stabilize the grid as more intermittent domestic solar energy is integrated.

How does this project impact Malta's transition away from fossil fuels?

By doubling its connection to the European grid, Malta can import a higher share of electricity generated from renewable sources in mainland Europe. This reduces the operational hours of its domestic LNG-fired power plants, directly lowering the nation's carbon footprint in line with EU Green Deal targets.

What are the technical specifications and route of the new cable?

The project involves a 100-kilometer, 220kV high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) subsea cable system. It will run underwater from Ragusa in Sicily to Maghtab in Malta, laid parallel to the first interconnector but with sufficient separation to prevent simultaneous damage to both cables.

Offshore Energy · June 29, 2026 (Jun 29) · 1 min read

Cable for Malta’s second interconnector with Sicily ready for installation

Analysis

AI-assisted analysis · reviewed by Yuri Kan

The completion of Nexans' manufacturing and testing for Malta's second subsea electricity interconnector marks a critical step in securing the island nation's energy transition. By doubling Malta's grid connection to mainland Europe via Sicily, this project mitigates the chronic isolation of its domestic power market. It represents a broader Mediterranean trend where offshore cable infrastructure is prioritized over traditional fossil-fuel generation to meet EU decarbonization targets.

Key Facts

French cable specialist Nexans has finalized the manufacturing and factory acceptance testing (FAT) for a 100-kilometer subsea power cable.
The high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) cable is destined for the second subsea interconnector (IC2) linking Malta with Sicily, Italy.
The project is being developed by Interconnect Malta (ICM), a state-owned entity responsible for the country's major energy infrastructure.
The new 225 MW interconnector will run parallel to the existing 200 MW interconnector, which has been operational since 2015.
The subsea cable will land at Ragusa in Sicily and Maghtab in Malta, significantly increasing the island's import and export capacity.
The initiative is co-funded by the European Union's Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) to enhance regional energy security and grid integration.

Background & Context

Malta has historically relied on imported heavy fuel oil and, more recently, liquefied natural gas (LNG) via a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) to meet its electricity demands. The commissioning of the first interconnector in 2015 revolutionized Malta's energy mix, allowing it to import cheaper, cleaner electricity from the European grid. However, a major anchor damage incident in 2019 highlighted the vulnerability of relying on a single subsea cable, prompting the Maltese government to fast-track a second link to ensure redundancy and support the integration of domestic renewable energy.

Market Impact

This development significantly enhances Malta's grid resilience by providing N-1 redundancy, meaning the system can remain stable even if one major interconnector fails. For the European power market, it strengthens the integration of the southern periphery into the internal energy market and allows Malta to export future surplus solar energy back to Sicily. For fossil fuel stakeholders, the increased cable capacity will likely reduce the utilization rates of Malta's domestic gas-fired Delimara power station, shifting the island's baseload reliance further toward European imports.

What to Watch

With the cable manufacturing complete, the next critical milestones are the mobilization of specialized cable-laying vessels and the commencement of offshore trenching and installation works, targeted for the coming months. Stakeholders should monitor the progress of the onshore substation upgrades in Ragusa and Maghtab, which must be completed in tandem to allow commissioning by the projected 2026 deadline.

Why This Matters for Cyprus

While this project does not directly connect to Cyprus, it serves as a highly relevant blueprint for the Great Sea Interconnector (EuroAsia Interconnector), which aims to connect Cyprus to Greece via Crete. The successful execution of Malta's subsea link demonstrates the technical and economic viability of deep-water Mediterranean cable projects, offering valuable regulatory and engineering lessons for Cyprus as it seeks to end its own energy isolation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Malta need a second interconnector if it already has one?: The second interconnector provides vital redundancy; a single cable leaves Malta vulnerable to blackouts if damaged by ship anchors or geothermal activity, as occurred in 2019. Additionally, the extra 225 MW capacity is essential to meet rising electricity demand and to stabilize the grid as more intermittent domestic solar energy is integrated.
How does this project impact Malta's transition away from fossil fuels?: By doubling its connection to the European grid, Malta can import a higher share of electricity generated from renewable sources in mainland Europe. This reduces the operational hours of its domestic LNG-fired power plants, directly lowering the nation's carbon footprint in line with EU Green Deal targets.
What are the technical specifications and route of the new cable?: The project involves a 100-kilometer, 220kV high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) subsea cable system. It will run underwater from Ragusa in Sicily to Maghtab in Malta, laid parallel to the first interconnector but with sufficient separation to prevent simultaneous damage to both cables.

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