Malta-Sicily Second Energy Link Reaches Major Milestone

Malta’s second electricity interconnector with Sicily – a €300 million project co-financed by the EU – has reached a crucial milestone, with works advancing on both sides of the Mediterranean.

The 122-kilometre high-voltage cable, of which 99 kilometres will be laid beneath the seabed, will double Malta’s electricity interconnection capacity with the European. This means more stability, greater resilience, and the ability to integrate renewable energy on a much larger scale.

Energy Minister Miriam Dalli, together with European Funds Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, visited Ragusa in Sicily where excavation, trench works, and cable installation are already underway. At Magħtab, Malta’s terminal culvert construction is complete, and new transformers and shunt reactors will soon be installed.

The project is expected to cut 13.5 million tonnes of CO2 emissions over its 25-year lifetime, making it central to Malta’s strategy to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.

“This interconnector is not only about infrastructure – it’s about guaranteeing a cleaner, safer, and more efficient energy system for Maltese families and businesses,” Minister Dalli said.

Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi described the interconnector as Malta’s largest ever ERDF-funded operation, highlighting that it is made possible through substantial EU backing.

Interconnect Malta chairman Godwin Agius added that the project is based on state-of-the-art technology designed to support the integration of renewable energy, including Malta’s planned offshore floating windfarm and battery storage systems.

Aside from improving reliability in case of faults or supply disruptions, IC2 is forecast to generate €712 million in net economic benefits to Malta over 25 years.

With energy demand rising and transport electrification around the corner, the Malta–Sicily IC2 link is being described as a cornerstone of Malta’s clean energy future.

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