Malta’s Energy Future: North Africa Connection Gets 10-Week Boost

Imagine standing at the edge of Marsaxlokk’s fishing village, the sun dipping below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and red. Now, picture this: in a decade, some of the energy powering the streetlights along this picturesque promenade could be coming from the sun-drenched lands of North Africa. That’s the vision that just got a 10-week extension, thanks to a recent decision by Malta’s energy regulator.

What’s the Deal with the 10-Week Extension?

The Malta Energy Authority (MEA) has extended the deadline for expressions of interest in the Malta-North Africa Interconnection (MNAI) project. Originally set to expire in late June, the new deadline is now mid-September. This extension, according to MEA, is to allow more time for potential investors to study and submit their proposals.

The MNAI project aims to connect Malta’s electricity grid to North Africa via an undersea power cable. This ambitious venture seeks to harness the abundant solar and wind energy resources of North Africa, diversifying Malta’s energy mix and reducing its reliance on expensive fuel imports.

Why North Africa, and Why Now?

Malta’s energy scene is changing. With the closure of the Delimara Power Station in 2021, the country is looking to renewable energy sources to meet its power needs. North Africa, with its vast solar and wind resources, presents an attractive opportunity.

the European Green Deal and the REPowerEU plan are pushing member states to reduce their dependence on Russian gas. For Malta, this means accelerating its transition to renewable energy sources, and the MNAI project is a key part of this strategy.

What’s Next for the MNAI Project?

With the extended deadline, potential investors now have until September 15 to submit their proposals. The MEA will then evaluate these proposals, with the aim of selecting a preferred bidder by the end of the year.

If all goes according to plan, the selected investor will begin the detailed engineering and environmental impact assessments in 2023. Construction of the undersea cable could start as early as 2024, with the project expected to be completed by 2029.

For Malta, this project is not just about energy. It’s about securing our future, creating jobs, and positioning ourselves as a regional hub for renewable energy. It’s about looking out at the horizon from Marsaxlokk, knowing that the power of the sun, harnessed from across the Mediterranean, is lighting up our streets and powering our homes.

“This project is a breakthrough for Malta’s energy future,” says Dr. Michael Farrugia, Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development. “It’s about more than just energy. It’s about security, it’s about jobs, it’s about our future.”