Malta-Sicily electricity interconnector construction

The construction of a second electrical interconnector (IC2) between Malta and Sicily is progressing through several technical phases.

In early October 2026, the existing IC1 interconnector was temporarily deactivated for approximately 12 days to allow for safety-related construction work at the Ragusa terminal station in Italy. This €300 million project involves installing new equipment, including a shunt reactor and underground cables, to modify existing 220 kV overhead lines. During this shutdown, Malta relied on national production from renewable sources and the Delimara liquefied natural gas plant to maintain grid stability.

By mid-October 2026, the project reached a stage where 92% of the 21-kilometre land cable route in Sicily had been installed. To connect the submarine cable to land infrastructure while minimizing environmental disruption, a 300-metre underground tunnel is being prepared near the Ragusa coast. The manufacturer, Nexans, has completed the submarine cable, which is scheduled for transport in December to begin offshore cable-laying operations.

On October 27, 2026, a further eight-day suspension of the IC1 interconnector was announced to facilitate the connection of a recently installed 220 kV reactor to the hybrid switching equipment system. This phase requires the use of heavy machinery and specialized lifting equipment to lay high-voltage cables within the terminal station. The total project, supported by approximately €261 million in European Union funding, will result in a 122-kilometre link with a capacity of 225 megawatts, doubling Malta’s interconnection capacity with continental Europe.