Powering Up: Malta’s Third Interconnector Takes a Step Forward

Imagine standing at the bustling Ċirkewwa ferry terminal, watching the sun dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the Comino Channel. Now, picture a third submarine power cable, humming with energy, lying beneath those very waters. This is not a distant dream, but a tangible step closer to reality, as a basic engineering tender for Malta’s third interconnector has just been issued.

What’s an Interconnector and Why Do We Need One?

An interconnector is essentially an underwater power cable that connects two countries’ electricity grids. For Malta, this means linking up with our European neighbours to import and export electricity. It’s like having a power-sharing agreement with friends – when you’ve got a surplus, you share, and when you’re short, you borrow.

Malta’s first interconnector with Sicily was commissioned in 2015, and the second one, with Italy, is set to come online in 2022. But with our energy demand increasing and our reliance on expensive, polluting diesel generators persisting, the need for a third interconnector has become evident.

Enter the Third Interconnector: A breakthrough?

The third interconnector, with a capacity of around 200MW, will significantly boost Malta’s power import capacity. This means we’ll be able to rely less on diesel and more on cleaner, cheaper energy from our neighbours. It’s a step towards our 2030 decarbonisation targets and a more secure energy future.

But who’s going to build it? That’s where the recently issued basic engineering tender comes in. This phase involves designing the interconnector’s route, choosing the right technology, and planning the logistics. It’s like mapping out the blueprint for a grand, underwater power highway.

What’s Next and Who’s Involved?

The tender, issued by the Malta Energy and Water Agency (MEWA), is open to local and international bidders. The successful bidder will work closely with MEWA, the Malta Resource Authority, and other stakeholders to bring the third interconnector to life.

Once the basic engineering is sorted, the next step will be the construction phase. This involves laying the cable itself, which is a complex, underwater operation. But that’s a story for another day. For now, let’s celebrate this significant milestone in Malta’s energy journey.

As Ċirkewwa’s last ferry of the day pulls away from the terminal, remember that beneath the waves, a cleaner, more secure energy future is taking shape. The third interconnector is more than just a power cable – it’s a testament to our commitment to a sustainable, energy-resilient Malta.