60 Kilometres of New Underground Cables

Works have begun on the installation of 60 kilometres of new underground cables, a collaborative effort between Enemalta, Infrastructure Malta, and Transport Malta. This latest phase will enhance the electricity distribution network across 21 locations in Malta and Gozo, ensuring greater reliability and resilience in the face of future challenges.

In a recent briefing with journalists, the entities outlined their ongoing efforts to strengthen the distribution system, building on the progress made over the past year. Enemalta’s Executive Chairman, Ing. Ryan Fava, explained how these improvements are a key part of the broader plan to modernise the national power grid.

“In the past year, Enemalta continued to work on strengthening the electricity distribution system at various levels. In the first five months of the year, in collaboration with Infrastructure Malta and Transport Malta, we managed to lay more than 82 kilometres of new underground cables,” said Ing. Fava.

These new medium-voltage cables form a crucial part of Enemalta’s six-year reinforcement plan, which aims to make the grid more resilient and flexible. The network will be better equipped to handle unexpected interruptions, with additional alternative connections to restore power quickly in case of faults.

The collaboration between the entities has already led to significant progress in upgrading the system. This year, Enemalta commissioned 54 new substations and upgraded 76 others—well beyond the initial target of 45. Furthermore, 166 new low-voltage feeders have been connected, and 47 kilometres of old 400V/230V aerial lines have been replaced, modernising the infrastructure for the future.

Looking ahead, Enemalta is not stopping there. In the coming months, work will begin on two new distribution centres in Naxxar and Siġġiewi. Plans are also in place to expand existing centres in Pembroke and Msida, which will increase capacity and further enhance the network’s flexibility.

In addition, Enemalta is preparing for the second interconnector between Malta and Sicily. This will improve the island’s connection to the European electricity grid. Preparatory works are already underway to enhance the 132-kilovolt link between the Magħtab terminal station and the distribution centre in Mosta. These upgrades will also involve expanding switchgear at the Marsa distribution centre, which is being prepared for a new battery storage facility that will be commissioned by Interconnect Malta.

“We will continue working to strengthen the distribution system in the coming months, just as we did in the past few months, and prepare the electricity distribution network for the future,” Ing. Fava said. “By laying 60 kilometres of new underground cables in various locations, we are increasing the resilience and flexibility of our network, ensuring that supply can be restored in the shortest possible time if any damage occurs.”

The work will be carried out in the following locations: Ħ’Attard, Birkirkara, Birżebbuġia, Buġibba, Qawra, Fgura, Ħal Għaxaq, Ġżira, Ħamrun, Imsida, Mellieħa, San Ġwann, Tas-Sliema, San Ġiljan, Ta’ Xbiex, Ħal Tarxien, Ħaż-Żebbuġ, Żejtun, and Marsaxlokk in Malta, as well as Victoria, Kerċem, and Għarb in Gozo.

With this latest round of works, Malta’s electricity distribution network will be better equipped for the future, providing a more reliable power supply to households and businesses across the islands.