Enemalta said that it has launched the first stage of the procurement process for the manufacture and installation of two new 33kV submarine electricity cables between Malta and Gozo.

It explained that this planned investment is aimed at meeting Gozo’s steadily increasing electricity demand and supporting the island’s future economic and social development.

The project forms part of Enemalta’s wider long-term programme to increase capacity and strengthen the island’s electricity infrastructure including in Gozo, Enemalta said.

Commenting on the launch of the procurement process, Energy Minister Miriam Dalli said, “this project represents another important step in the implementation of Malta’s Energy Shift and our continued investment in stronger, more resilient energy infrastructure.”

She went on to say that, ”the challenges experienced in Gozo in recent months have underlined the importance of these investments; however, this project is not a standalone measure. It forms part of a wider programme of network reinforcement already identified in Malta’s Energy Shift and Enemalta’s nine-year development plan to strengthen security of supply and prepare the electricity system for future growth. By reinforcing the electricity connection between Malta and Gozo, we are ensuring that both islands are better equipped to meet future energy demand while supporting Gozo’s transition towards a more sustainable, secure and reliable energy system.”

The project will involve two submarine cables, each approximately eight kilometres long, between Malta and Gozo.

Enemalta said that the selected contractor will be responsible for the design, manufacture, installation, testing and commissioning of the cables.

Enemalta Executive Chairman Ing. Ryan Fava said, “electricity demand in Gozo continues to grow, and Enemalta is planning and investing today to ensure that the island has the infrastructure it needs for the years ahead.”

He said that, ”this project, together with the planned 132kV link and two new distribution centres in Gozo, reflects a clear long-term commitment to provide greater capacity and a stronger, more flexible electricity network. These are substantial investments that will support Gozo’s continued development, increased electrification and the integration of more renewable energy.”

The procurement of the submarine cable is being issued through a restricted procedure, with interested economic operators first needed to undergo a pre-qualification process before proceeding to the tender stage.

The new 33kV submarine cables form part of a broader programme of investment in Gozo’s electricity infrastructure.

Enemalta said that it is also advancing preparations for a new 132kV electricity link between Malta and Gozo under its Nine-Year Investment Plan.

”The planned link will provide substantially greater capacity between the two islands and further strengthen Gozo’s electricity network,” Enemalta said.

The plan also includes two new distribution centres in Gozo, one in G?ajnsielem and another serving the Victoria/Kercem area. Together, these projects will provide additional capacity, support the integration of renewable energy and prepare Gozo’s electricity network for future demand.

Enemalta concluded by saying that ”through these investments, Enemalta is implementing a clear and structured long-term plan for Gozo’s electricity needs. The new submarine cables, the planned 132kV link and the two new distribution centres reflect the scale of the company’s commitment to strengthening the island’s electricity infrastructure for the years ahead.”

File photo: Gozo News/Alain Salvary

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