Malta and Sicily advance IC2 with major equipment installed

The Malta‑Sicily Interconnector 2 (IC2) project has completed delivery, transport and installation of key electrical equipment in both Malta and Sicily, marking a new milestone.

In Sicily, a 240 MVAr shunt reactor was off‑loaded at Pozzallo Port on 16 July and moved overnight to the Ragusa site, where it was placed on its permanent foundation. In Malta, a 120 MVAr shunt reactor and associated gear were unloaded and positioned, and a 250 MVA auto‑transformer has been delivered to the Magħtab site, with installation work continuing.

The €300 million, 122‑km, 245 kV, 225 MW cable will run parallel to the existing 2015 link, doubling Malta’s capacity to the European grid. The project is co‑financed with €261 million from the EU Regional Development Fund and is classified as an operation of strategic importance. Energy Minister Miriam Dalli said the milestone strengthens electricity supply security, grid resilience and renewable integration, while Interconnect Malta CEO Noel Darmanin highlighted the complex logistics involving specialised transport and coordination.

Once commissioned, IC2 is expected to cut CO₂ emissions by about 13.5 million tonnes by enabling greater renewable energy use and to enhance Malta’s long‑term sustainability.