Italy’s Mase authorizes $850 million power line to Tunisia across the Sicily Channel.

Last Updated: May 15, 2024

Il Mase autorizza l'elettrodotto tra Italia e Tunisia, opera da 850 milioni: attraverserà il Canale di Sicilia

The Ministry of Environment and Energy Security has authorized Elmed, the first electrical interconnection project between Italy and Tunisia which will be carried out by Terna and Steg, the Tunisian network operator. A joint statement reveals that there is an estimated total investment of around 850 million euros. “The authorization of the new interconnection between Italy and Tunisia – stated Minister Gilberto Pichetto – will allow the country, due to its strategic geographical position, to strengthen its role as an electric hub in Europe and the Mediterranean area, becoming an international player.”

Out of the 850 million, 307 million have been allocated by the European Commission through the Connecting Europe Facility financing program, aimed at developing key projects that enhance European energy infrastructures, the statement explains. This is the first time that the European Union has funded a project in which one of the involved countries is not part of the Union.

“The authorized interconnection is one of the projects of the Mattei Plan. The Italy-Tunisia electrical bridge is a strategic work for the Italian electricity system within the objectives of energy transition set by the Integrated National Plan for Energy and Climate (Pniec), as it aims to improve the integration of European Union and North African markets. Elmed also guarantees a greater development of renewable sources and the improvement of energy supply security.”
The total length of the power line will be around 220 kilometers, with most of it being underwater cable. The 600 Mw direct current connection will reach a maximum depth of around 800 meters along the Sicily Channel.

“Interconnected and technologically advanced grids are the foundation of a secure and sustainable electricity system,” states Giuseppina Di Foggia, CEO and General Director of Terna. “Elmed is one of the most significant projects of Terna’s Industrial Plan 2024-2028. Once operational, the project will make a significant contribution to the decarbonization process of the system. In this sense, interconnections are a necessary tool to increase the level of energy independence of our country and diversify energy supply sources.”

“The final authorization is a great achievement in the energy transition process in which our country is at the forefront. A milestone for which Sicily has played a leading role and represents a great strategic opportunity for the new challenges that increasingly link Europe and Africa. The island is set to become an important national energy hub, with considerable economic development repercussions,” commented the President of the Sicilian Region, Renato Schifani.