Malta starts underground drilling for Sicily power link

Nexans has begun horizontal directional drilling (HDD) works in Malta, marking a significant construction milestone in the second Malta–Sicily electricity interconnector project. The technique creates a subsurface pathway that enables a high-voltage cable to traverse from the mainland to the seabed without requiring open-cut excavation along the shore, bridging the onshore and offshore components. A comparable HDD operation is scheduled on the Sicilian side later this year.

Once both are complete, the subsea cable will be laid from Malta toward Italy, with submarine and land cables joined at each end by specialised jointers. The works are coordinated by Interconnect Malta alongside technical consultants Rina Consulting S.p.A. Geological conditions—including cavities, fissures and rock shifts—require careful monitoring throughout the drilling process.

The project costs approximately €300 million, with €261 million allocated through the European Regional Development Fund under the 2021–2027 Programme's priority of promoting a clean and just energy transition. It has been designated an Operation of Strategic Importance. Once finished, the interconnector will double Malta's electricity connection capacity with the European grid and support renewable energy integration into the island's system.

Energy Minister Miriam Dalli described the project as involving manufacturing a custom-made cable alongside "a wide range of complex engineering activities, extensive planning and close coordination between different parties." Minister for European Funds Keith Azzopardi Tanti said it "will strengthen security of energy supply, while also helping to keep energy prices stable so that Maltese families and businesses can continue to benefit from affordable bills."

Interconnect Malta Manager Perit Reuben Sammut noted that works of this scale would "deliver critical national infrastructure while remaining almost entirely hidden from view," adding that achieving that outcome demanded significant studies, coordination, detailed planning and careful execution.