Miriam Dalli has confirmed that manufacturing of the submarine cable for Malta’s second interconnector is complete, with loading of the cable expected in December ahead of laying operations. Dalli gave the update after visiting Ragusa in Sicily to see the works at first hand.

She said the country is investing in the infrastructure needed to support families, businesses and its long-term environmental ambitions as energy needs continue to change and that the IC2 project is central to that commitment.

The EU-funded project has reached several milestones on both sides of the crossing. In Sicily, 92 per cent of the 21km land cable route has been installed, with the final section waiting on the completion of tunnelling works. At the Ragusa Terminal Station, major infrastructure works are progressing to prepare the link for integration into the Italian electricity network.

Once operational, IC2 will double Malta’s electricity interconnection capacity with mainland Europe, strengthening security of supply and giving the island more flexibility to bring renewable energy into its system.

The project is being delivered by teams at InterConnect Malta, Enemalta, Terna SpA and contractors working across Malta and Sicily.