New Malta-Sicily pipeline project to supply gas in the future

Plans for the construction of a bi-directional natural gas subsea pipeline linking Malta to Sicily go ahead. With the 159 km pipeline, Malta would be able to export natural gas from its LNG import terminal at Marsaxlokk Bay to Sicily and the rest of the Italian gas grid. On the other hand, Italy could export natural gas to Malta for use by it gas power stations. The project’s estimated capacity is about 1.2 billion cubic meters per year and a guaranteed flow of 141,000 Sm3/hour. According to surveys carried out, a new terminal at Delimara where a gas pipeline from Sicily will land, requires 8,000 sq.m of land and a new access road to connect the existing Delimara power stations to the new gas terminal. This will also include a 4,840sq.m revetment, a sloping structure, to minimise wave damage. The next step will be to discuss the project with the Environmental Resources Authority in a board meeting.