Enemalta and Enel Trade today signed a five-year framework agreement to use the Malta-Sicily interconnector for the importation of electricity from Italy.

The agreement was signed by Enemalta’s executive chairman Fredrick Azzopardi, deputy chairman Sun Ji and Enel Trade head of global front office Leonardo Zannella.

Enemalta said the development will enable it to continue testing the interconnector’s cables and related equipment at Ragusa and Magħtab before it is energised and commissioned later this year.   

Enel Trade is the electricity and gas trading arm of Enel, a multi-national power company and a leading integrated player in the world’s power and gas markets, with a particular focus on Europe and Latin America.

In May last year, Enemalta launched a three-stage selection process to identify an international partner for the trading of electricity from Europe, particularly the Italian energy market.

Four trading agencies submitted initial proposals.

The company said the decision to opt for a trader ensured it would retain full flexibility over the use of the interconnector by being able to purchase from any market channel that offers the most advantageous rates.

Proposals were assessed through several criteria, including service reliability, operational compliance and support. Shortlisted bidders were asked to submit a commercial offer based on Enemalta’s requirements. The best bid was submitted by Enel Trade.

The two companies then entered into final negotiations to conclude the details of this agreement by this month. 

Through the agreement with Enel Trade, Enemalta would also be able to participate in the various energy markets such as the same day market for emergency or immediate requirements and the day ahead market for short-term changed requirements.

The Malta-Sicily interconnector comprises a 120-kilometre high voltage alternating current system capable of bidirectional flow of electrical power, transferring 200MW of electricity.

In Sicily, the interconnector is linked to the Italian network at 230kV in the Terna substation in Ragusa.

The submarine cable lands in Malta at Qalet Marku, Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq and transmits electricity to the distribution network at 132kV through Enemalta’s new terminal station at Magħtab.

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