Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1506448
3 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 27 AUGUST 2023 NEWS Request for Proposals Opportunity to develop the ex-Rokna site in Paceville Interested parties can request a copy of the RFP on: rfpinvitation@gmail.com Closing Date: 15 September 2023 INTERCONNECT Malta wel- comed the Environment and Resources Authority's approval of the environmental impact as- sessment of the development of Interconnector 2. "The conclusion of the envi- ronmental impact assessment and its positive review by the Authority are an important step forward in the planning of Malta's second electricity in- terconnection with mainland Europe, affirming that this de- velopment will not have neg- ative impacts on marine and terrestrial environments," the government agency said on Saturday. This will be the second sub- marine electricity cable be- tween Malta and Italy. The environmental impact assessment, which was com- pleted earlier this year, includ- ed a thorough analysis of the project's potential impacts on surrounding environments, in- cluding ecology, archaeology, water bodies and geology. Over a period of six months, more than ten experts from different fields analysed da- ta collected during the recent marine survey and front-end engineering design of the pro- ject and gathered further infor- mation to conclude the assess- ment, including 12 scientific and technical studies. The assessment also recom- mends mitigation measures to minimise any risk of impacts during project implementa- tion. Interconnect Malta's CEO Is- mail D'Amato explained that the Company discussed these mitigation measures with ERA, and will be making sure they are integrated into the final im- plementation plans. "Interconnector 2 is an im- portant project for the future security and environmental sustainability of Malta's energy sector, as it meets future de- mand requirements, including increased electrification while paving the way for the Gov- ernment's ambition to contin- ue increasing Malta's share of grid-connected renewables on land and offshore," D'Amato said. He added that the second In- terconnector is a major enabler of investment in green energy. "Through this environmental impact assessment, we wanted to make sure that the project will safeguard our environment even during its construction," he said. ERA's approval of second interconnector welcomed Interconnect Malta welcomes the Environment and Resources Authority's approval of the environmental impact assessment of the development of the second submarine electricity cable between Malta and Italy Marine surveying activities at Bahar ic-Caghaq