As the Second Interconnector (IC2) project moves closer to completion, further civil works will be carried out at Ragusa Terminal Station that will require a temporary shutdown of IC1 from Monday to ensure workers’ safety.
A temporary shutdown of the first interconnector (IC1) for 12 days is required to isolate electrically the area where works will be carried out to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of workers in the high-risk electrical environment, Interconnect Malta and Enemalta said in a joint statement on Saturday.
They explained that over recent months works at the Ragusa Terminal Station continued at a fast pace. A fire tank with associated fire pumps have been installed on the civil foundations constructed for the project, while the installation and assembly of the new 240 MVAr shunt reactor has been completed, including the construction of its fire protection walls. Interconnect Malta is now proceeding to a further phase of civil works at Ragusa Terminal Station.
These works will require the temporary isolation of IC1, as heavy machinery will be operating in close proximity to the existing 220 kV overhead lines. In addition, modifications are required to the IC1 overhead line support structure to accommodate a new hybrid gas insulated switchgear, which will enable the new reactor to be connected to either interconnector as operational requirements dictate.
The works will also involve routing of 220kV land cable from the switchgear to the reactor in underground ducts that have been installed in preparation for this shutdown which is scheduled to commence on the 5th October, and expected to last around twelve days.
”This shutdown is an essential safety measure to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of personnel working in a high-risk electrical environment. It will also protect the existing interconnector infrastructure, ensuring that the work can be undertaken without compromising its integrity or safety,” Interconnect Malta and Enemalta said.
The shutdown and associated works are being coordinated between Interconnect Malta, Enemalta, Terna Energy Solutions and the Italian Transmission System Operator.
These works have been planned well in advance to support the continued implementation of the Second Interconnector project. Enemalta said it has worked closely with Interconnect Malta, Terna Energy Solutions and the Italian Transmission System Operator to ensure all necessary preparatory measures are in place ahead of the temporary shutdown.
”While the works are being carried out, Malta’s electricity demand will be fully met through local generation resources, with sufficient capacity available to ensure the continued stability and security of supply. The works are also taking place against the backdrop of increasing electricity demand, including the record levels experienced during the summer months, further highlighting the importance of strategic investments that strengthen the resilience and flexibility of the national electricity system,” Interconnect Malta and Enemalta said.
“The steady progress being achieved on the second interconnector demonstrates Government’s commitment to delivering the critical energy infrastructure required for Malta’s future. The works completed to date in Ragusa, together with the activities planned in the coming days, mark another important milestone towards the project’s completion and underline the significant effort being undertaken on both sides of the interconnection,” said Energy Minister Miriam Dalli.
It was further explained that following the re-energisation of IC1, additional works will continue at the terminal station. This carefully phased programme has been developed in close coordination with Enemalta to ensure the efficient execution of works while minimising disruption to the existing infrastructure.
Ing. Ismail D’Amato, Interconnect Malta CEO said, ”carrying out major civil works within a terminal station with live equipment in proximity presents unique technical and safety challenges that require strict adherence to operational procedures, meticulous planning, and close coordination with Enemalta, the Italian Transmission System Operator, and our various contractors. We would like to thank all the stakeholders involved, including engineers, contractors, and their subcontractors, for their continued collaboration and commitment in ensuring that works are delivered safely and efficiently. The progress achieved to date in Ragusa demonstrates the collective effort of all parties involved and brings IC2 another step closer to completion supporting the country’s long-term energy ambitions.”
Enemalta Executive Chairman Ing. Ryan Fava said, “the first interconnector, which was developed and commissioned by Enemalta in 2015, marked a transformative milestone for Malta’s energy sector by establishing a direct connection to the European electricity grid and significantly strengthening the country’s security of supply. The Second Interconnector builds on that achievement and represents a critical investment in Malta’s long-term energy strategy. As electricity demand continues to grow and the energy sector evolves to accommodate a greater share of renewable energy, investments in resilient and flexible infrastructure become increasingly important. Enemalta has sufficient local generation capacity available to meet national electricity demand throughout the execution of these works, ensuring the continued reliability, stability and security of Malta’s electricity system.”
Photo: Interconnect Malta and Enemalta