Why is horizontal directional drilling (HDD) used for this project?

HDD is employed at the landfall site to install the cable conduits deep beneath the shoreline without disturbing the sensitive coastal environment, beaches, or nearshore marine habitats. This trenchless technology minimizes the ecological footprint of the project and protects the cable from wave action and coastal erosion.

How does the second interconnector support Malta's green transition?

A stronger interconnection with Sicily allows Malta's grid operators to manage the intermittency of local solar power by importing balancing power when domestic generation drops. Additionally, it opens up the possibility for Malta to export surplus renewable energy back to the European grid in the future, facilitating higher national decarbonization targets.

What is the capacity and technical specification of the new cable?

The IC2 project consists of a 220 kV high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) subsea cable system with a transmission capacity of 225 MW. It will run parallel to the first interconnector, spanning approximately 118 kilometers across the Mediterranean seabed between Malta and Sicily.

Offshore Energy · July 16, 2026 (Jul 16) · 1 min read

Underground drilling marks start of offshore section works for second Malta-Italy link

Analysis

AI-assisted analysis · reviewed by Yuri Kan

French cable specialist Nexans has initiated horizontal directional drilling (HDD) in Malta, marking the official start of the offshore installation phase for the second Malta-Italy subsea electricity interconnector (IC2). This 118-kilometer, 225 MW high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) link will run parallel to the existing interconnector, effectively doubling Malta's subsea transmission capacity with Sicily. The project represents a critical step in bolstering the island nation's grid stability, facilitating the integration of larger shares of renewable energy, and securing its overall security of supply.

Key Facts

Nexans has commenced horizontal directional drilling (HDD) at Malta's Maghtab landfall site to prepare the conduit for the subsea cable.
The Interconnector 2 (IC2) project will feature a 118-kilometer subsea cable link operating at 220 kV HVAC, connecting Malta to Ragusa in Sicily.
The new link will deliver an additional 225 MW of transmission capacity, supplementing the existing 200 MW interconnector that has been operational since 2015.
Enemalta, the Maltese state-owned energy services provider, is the developer overseeing the project to enhance national grid resilience.
The offshore cable laying and marine installation works are scheduled to be executed by Nexans' specialized vessels, including the Nexans Aurora, later in the project timeline.
The project is co-funded by the European Union's Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) as part of Malta's strategy to end its energy isolation.

Background & Context

Malta has historically relied heavily on imported fuel oil for its domestic power generation, leaving the island vulnerable to price volatility and supply disruptions. The commissioning of the first 200 MW Malta-Italy interconnector in 2015 dramatically transformed the country's energy mix, allowing it to import cheaper, cleaner electricity from the European grid and reduce domestic emissions. However, a subsea cable damage incident in 2019 highlighted the vulnerability of relying on a single link, prompting the Maltese government to fast-track plans for a redundant second interconnector to ensure continuous security of supply.

Market Impact

The realization of IC2 will significantly mitigate Malta's single-point-of-failure risk, ensuring uninterrupted power supply even during maintenance or accidental cable damage. Strategically, the doubled interconnection capacity allows Malta to safely integrate larger volumes of intermittent domestic solar energy, as the grid can utilize the Italian link to balance sudden supply-demand fluctuations. For the European energy market, this project strengthens Mediterranean grid integration and represents a lucrative contract execution for Nexans, reinforcing their dominance in the subsea high-voltage cable market.

What to Watch

Following the completion of the HDD works at the Maltese landfall, marine survey vessels will finalize the subsea route clearance before cable-laying operations begin. The project is on track to target mechanical completion and commissioning trials by late 2025 or early 2026. Industry observers will be watching the progress of the corresponding onshore substation upgrades in both Ragusa and Maghtab to ensure grid synchronization remains on schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is horizontal directional drilling (HDD) used for this project?: HDD is employed at the landfall site to install the cable conduits deep beneath the shoreline without disturbing the sensitive coastal environment, beaches, or nearshore marine habitats. This trenchless technology minimizes the ecological footprint of the project and protects the cable from wave action and coastal erosion.
How does the second interconnector support Malta's green transition?: A stronger interconnection with Sicily allows Malta's grid operators to manage the intermittency of local solar power by importing balancing power when domestic generation drops. Additionally, it opens up the possibility for Malta to export surplus renewable energy back to the European grid in the future, facilitating higher national decarbonization targets.
What is the capacity and technical specification of the new cable?: The IC2 project consists of a 220 kV high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) subsea cable system with a transmission capacity of 225 MW. It will run parallel to the first interconnector, spanning approximately 118 kilometers across the Mediterranean seabed between Malta and Sicily.

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