- Interconnect Malta has received four submissions for a potential renewable energy project linking North Africa to Malta through a dedicated power cable.
- The proposals could help Malta diversify its energy supply, strengthen energy security and expand renewable electricity imports.
Interconnect Malta has received four submissions for a potential renewable energy connection between North Africa and Malta. The proposals followed the closure of a Preliminary Market Consultation on the project. Several consortia and groups submitted proposals. The participants include local and international companies with expertise in energy, infrastructure, engineering and project development.
Interconnect Malta launched the consultation to assess market interest in renewable energy projects in North Africa. The proposed projects would connect directly to Malta through a dedicated transmission cable. The consultation also sought technical and financial information from potential developers. This included indicative electricity prices and project details. The information will help the Maltese Government assess the project’s economic and financial feasibility. It will also allow officials to compare the proposal with other energy options.
However, the four submissions do not represent project awards. They also do not commit the government to selecting any particular developer. Instead, the proposals will provide technical and financial data for future energy policy decisions.
Malta has identified a potential renewable energy connection with North Africa as an important option for its long-term energy strategy. The country’s Malta’s Energy Shift document also highlights stronger energy cooperation across the Mediterranean. The strategy aims to improve energy security, sustainability and supply diversification. The government also wants to develop a network of energy interconnections between North Africa and Southern Europe. Malta could eventually serve as a regional hub for clean energy exchange.
Energy Minister Miriam Dalli said the proposals demonstrate tangible market interest in the project. She said a North African connection could diversify Malta’s energy sources and supply routes. It could also support the country’s decarbonisation targets and strengthen its role as a Mediterranean green energy hub.
North Africa has significant solar and wind resources. Malta could use electricity from these resources to diversify its energy mix. The connection could also reduce Malta’s dependence on individual energy sources and supply routes. In turn, this could strengthen energy resilience and support national and European decarbonisation targets.
Interconnect Malta will now evaluate the four submissions. Divisional Manager Alexandra Meli said the proposals will provide valuable technical, commercial and financial information. The evaluation team will examine the proposed generation arrangements, transmission infrastructure and delivery models. It will also assess indicative costs, implementation timelines and technical risks.
Interconnect Malta also plans to meet with the participating companies. The meetings will allow each group to explain its proposal in greater detail. The evaluation team will also use the discussions to seek clarification and assess the technical details. The final assessment will help the Maltese Government determine the technical and economic feasibility of the proposals. It will also guide future decisions on Malta’s energy system and its potential role in Mediterranean renewable energy trade.