Nexans’ Milestone: The Second Electrical Interconnector Between Malta and Italy
Nexans, a key player in the global cable industry, has recently marked a significant achievement in energy interconnection with the successful completion of the manufacturing and factory acceptance testing (FAT) of 100 kilometers of subsea cable. This cable is set to play a crucial role in the second electrical interconnector between Malta and Italy, further enhancing Malta’s energy infrastructure.
The IC2 Interconnector Project
The forthcoming IC2 interconnector aims to establish a new 122-kilometer-long, 225 MW HVAC electrical cable connection between the Terna substation at Ragusa, Sicily, and the Enemalta terminal station in Maghtab, Malta. This new cable will run parallel to the existing HVAC cable link that Nexans initially installed in 2015, demonstrating the company’s ongoing commitment to bolstering energy connectivity in the region.
Scope of Nexans’ Involvement
Nexans’ responsibilities encompass the entire lifecycle of the project—from design to manufacturing and delivery. In addition to the primary 100 kilometers of subsea cable, the company is also providing 4 kilometers of spare cable to ensure a seamless operation post-installation. The rapid completion of the FAT, just 13 months after securing the contract, underscores Nexans’ adherence to the project’s timeline and its efficient execution strategy.
Innovative Installation Techniques
Building on the lessons learned from the installation of the IC1 interconnector, the rollout of this second cable will deploy advanced deep burial techniques. Nexans will utilize its proprietary Capjet system, which not only simplifies the installation process but also enhances the protection of the cable against environmental and underwater conditions.
Commitment to Energy Security
Pascal Radue, Senior Executive Vice President PWR-Transmission at Nexans, emphasized the importance of this project in enhancing Malta’s energy interconnection capacity. “With the cable now ready for installation, this project moves a step closer to increasing the interconnection capacity available to Malta’s electricity system,” he stated. This commitment reflects Nexans’ dedication to delivering complex subsea projects while upholding high standards of quality and reliability.
Supporting Malta’s Energy Transition
This interconnector is integral to Malta’s energy security and transition. Recent developments have seen the manufacturing of essential equipment for the interconnector completed in Türkiye, with components now being shipped to Malta and Sicily. This logistical coordination highlights the collaborative effort required to bring this ambitious project to fruition.
Conclusion
As the installation phase approaches, Nexans continues to demonstrate its potential in driving forward energy infrastructure initiatives that promise sustainable growth and enhanced connectivity in the region. The successful execution of the IC2 interconnector will not only bolster Malta’s energy reliability but also foster greater integration within European energy markets.