Nexans strenghtens Malta’s energy security by completing cable manufacturing for the Malta–Sicily second interconnector

• Nexans has completed manufacturing and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) of the high-voltage subsea cable for the Malta–Sicily second interconnector (IC2).
• The project includes 100 km of subsea cable and 4 km of spare cable.
• The second interconnector is now ready to install and will increase interconnection capacity between Malta and Sicily, Italy.

Nexans, a global pure player in sustainable electrification, has strengthened Malta’s energy security by completing the manufacturing and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) of the high-voltage subsea cable for the Malta–Sicily Second interconnector. This milestone confirms that the cable is ready for load-out and installation.

The second interconnector project will deliver an approximately 122-km, 225 MW HVAC interconnection between Malta and Sicily, Italy. Nexans’ scope covers the design, manufacturing and delivery of 100 kilometres of subsea cable, together with 4 km of spare cable.

The FAT was completed just over 13 months after the contract was signed, in line with the project’s execution schedule.

The second interconnector follows the first Malta–Sicily link (IC1), delivered by Nexans and commissioned by Enemalta in 2015. IC1 linked Malta to the European electricity grid for the first time, ending the country’s electrical isolation and providing access to a more secure and diversified source of electricity. The project strengthened security of supply, increased operational flexibility for the national electricity system, and contributed to greater stability in electricity generation. Since its commissioning, IC1 has become a critical component of Malta’s energy network, supporting the country’s economic growth and energy transition objectives while providing the foundation for the development of the second Malta-Sicily interconnector. Building on the experience gained from installing IC1, the second interconnector cable will be installed using deep burial techniques, including Nexans’ Capjet system, to provide additional protection.

The project is funded by the European Union under the 2021-2027 ERDF programme for Malta. Once installed and commissioned, the second interconnector will increase the available interconnection capacity between Malta and Italy and support the operation of Malta’s electricity system. Nexans keeps going further in its ambition to shape the backbone of modern energy systems.