Enemalta plc is preparing for the energising of the Malta-Sicily Interconnector as the final testing phase of all related cables and equipment is now under way, the corporation said in a statement.
Since January, Enemalta engineers have been closely monitoring the different phases of the Interconnector’s testing, which are being carried out by the contractor entrusted with this project, Nexans. All components of the system, including the control, monitoring and communication equipment between the two terminals at Magħtab, Malta and Ragusa, Sicily have now been individually tested. This week, Enemalta reviewed the test results and approved the beginning of the final tests.
These trials, including the first synchronisation of the Maltese and European grids, are scheduled to take place in the coming weeks. Enemalta is analysing the dynamics of this development and is taking several precautions to minimise any risks to the Maltese grid. The company’s electricity generation and distribution sections will be implementing additional safeguards to ensure that customers are not adversely affected by these tests. Nexans engineers specialised in the operation of interconnectors will be in Malta and in Sicily to assist Enemalta in coordinating the first synchronisation of the two networks.
Ing. Jonathan Scerri, Executive Director Generation and Distribution, explained that the Malta-Sicily Interconnector is the longest submarine HVAC interconnection system of its capacity and voltage level in the world. “Energising this cable is not only a new experience for Enemalta but also a challenging and exciting development to the entire electrical engineering profession. The contractor’s experts have commissioned several similar systems in the past, but given its characteristics, they too are keenly following the final testing of Malta’s Interconnector. All our distribution and generation teams will be working together to achieve the best possible results.”
Ing. Fredrick Azzopardi, Enemalta Executive Chairman, added that the development of the Malta-Sicily Interconnector is an important milestone to Enemalta. “During the second half of 2014, our employees have been working together to overcome a number of challenges and see this project to its completion. We allocated additional resources to accelerate the required works and make up for lost time due to permitting issues. We are now at the final stage of one of the first steps in a series of major advancements in Malta’s energy sector. The shutdown of the Marsa Power Station, the development of new gas-fired local generation sources, the Interconnector, the consolidation of our distribution network and the decommissioning of the older plants at Delimara will secure the sustainability, efficiency and reliability of the country’s energy sector within the next few years.”
The Malta-Sicily Interconnector comprises a 120-kilometre high voltage alternating current (HVAC) system capable of bidirectional flow of electrical power, transferring 200MW of electricity. In Sicily, the Interconnector is linked to the Italian network at 230kV in the Terna substation in Ragusa. The submarine cable lands in Malta at Qalet Marku, Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq and transmits electricity to the distribution network at 132kV through Enemalta’s new terminal station at Magħtab.