Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1529778
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 24 NOVEMBER 2024 THIS IS A PAID COLLABORATION Building a stronger electricity network Sixty kilometers of new underground cables set to be laid in coming months Enemalta has been working tire- lessly over the past year to enhance the electricity distribution network across Malta and Gozo, benefiting both residential and business cus- tomers. This is just one of many projects as part of a six-year plan to reinforce the network, improve reliabili- ty, and meet growing demands. Economic growth, climate change, increased electrification, and the rapid integration of renewable en- ergy sources have created the need for a more robust, flexible grid. Accelerating Progress for a Resilient Grid Following the challenges faced in July 2023, Enemalta identified the urgent need for a comprehensive network overhaul. Although initially estimated to take six years, Enemalta' s Executive Chairman Ing. Ryan Fava, in collab- oration with the Government, initi- ated an accelerated plan to benefit households and businesses sooner. In 2024 alone, Enemalta commit- ted €55 million to Phase 1 of this ambitious project, laying 82 km of new cables in areas most affected by outages. With the support of Infrastructure Malta and Transport Malta, critical upgrades in key localities were completed in just six months. Key Localities Upgraded in Phase 1 • Zurrieq (impacting Qrendi, Kirkop, and Safi) • Rabat (impacting Dingli, Mtarfa, and Ta' Qali) • Mosta (impacting Lija) • Naxxar (impacting Gharghur and Burmarrad) • Cottonera (impacting Vittoriosa, Cospicua, Senglea, Kalkara, and Fgura) • Kirkop and Zabbar (impacting Xghajra, Fgura, Zejtun, and Marsascala) In addition, Enemalta transitioned from a linear substation connec- tion system to a webbing system, enhancing the grid's resilience and minimizing inconvenience. This upgrade included the installa- tion of 46 new substations and the enhancement of 62 others, signifi- cantly reducing outage times. Results of Phase 1 The impact of these efforts is clear: total outage time in July 2024 dropped to 460 hours compared to 1,442 hours in July 2023, despite a 14% increase in demand during the peak season. To further stabilise the grid, Enemalta leased a temporary power station with a 60 MW capacity at Delimara, operational since August. This facility provides backup during seasonal peak demand until the second Mal- ta-Sicily interconnector is completed. Phase 2: Enhancing Resilience and Flexibility Phase 2 of the reinforcement pro- ject will see the installation of an additional 60 km of medium-volt- age cables, further strengthening the network's flexibility and resil- ience. Upgrades are planned in several localities, including: • Zejtun (impacting Għaxaq, Marsaxlokk) • Gudja (impacting Għaxaq) • Birzebbugia (impacting Tarxien and Birzebbugia) • Birkirkara (impacting Iklin) • Fgura • Mellieha • Bugibba (impacting Qawra and St Paul's Bay) • Hamrun (impacting Hamrun and Santa Venera); • Luqa (impacting Gudja, Tarxien and Għaxaq); • Għarb (impacting Victoria, Kercem and Ghasri); • San Gwann (impacting Kappa- ra); • St Julian's; • Sliema; • Gzira; • Attard; • Zebbug (impacting Siggiewi), where work is nearing comple- tion. Preparing for the Future Enemalta is also investing in long- term solutions, including prepa- rations for a second interconnec- tor, energy storage systems, and advancements in renewable energy infrastructure. These efforts aim to ensure uninter- rupted power supply and support the nation's transition to sustaina- ble energy. While these essential upgrades may cause some inconvenience, Ene- malta apologizes and asks for the public's understanding as it works to build a stronger, more reliable electricity network for Malta and Gozo.