Malta–Sicily Interconnector (Onshore)

This project represents a strategic milestone in strengthening the electricity interconnection between the Italian and Maltese power systems. SELT contributed to the construction of the second Malta–Sicily electricity interconnector by delivering more than 70 km of onshore high-voltage infrastructure, including the installation of 220 kV underground cables and associated fibre optic cables for protection and control systems.

The principal challenge was the delivery of a long-distance linear infrastructure project, including more than 21 km of open-trench excavation on the Italian side in complex infrastructure corridors. SELT addressed these challenges through meticulous planning based on phased construction sections and the use of Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), enabling approximately 174 m of specialised crossings to be completed while minimising environmental impact.
The project demonstrates SELT’s ability to manage every stage of delivery, from detailed design through the construction of 23 joint bays to final testing and commissioning, ensuring seamless integration between the power transmission and telecommunications networks.