Alstom Grid and Nexans Norway AS have been awarded a turnkey contract for the high voltage alternating current (HVAC) submarine electrical interconnector between Malta and Sicily for the end-customer Enemalta Corp., the power generation, transmission and distribution company in Malta.

At the Malta end of the interconnection, Alstom Grid - prequalified as a nominated subcontractor to Nexans - will supply the 220/132-kV Gas-insulated Substation (GIS). These substations are more compact with a smaller environmental footprint than traditional Air-insulated Substations.

(AIS). Alstom Grid’s scope of supply includes all substation components: transformers,
switchgear, protection and control equipment from its PACiS and MiCOM ranges, low voltage and auxiliary equipment, as well as new building and civil work.

At the Sicily end of the HVAC interconnection, Alstom Grid will reinforce the existing substation equipment to support the connection with the new substation in Malta. Supply includes equipment delivery and erection of a shunt reactor as well as protection and control equipment (PACiS, MiCOM) at TERNA’s Ragusa substation in Sicily.

“We received an excellent and pro-active support from Alstom Grid's team during the complete prequalification, tender and negotiation stage. Their strong reputation and solution-oriented offer helped us to secure this important order. We are fully convinced that this project will be a success for the end-user enemalta, for Nexans and for Alstom Grid,” says Mr. Ragnvald Graff, Sales & Marketing Director Energy Division, Nexans Norway AS.

“Alstom Grid and Nexans have a strong, long-standing relationship. We are very pleased to share this important interconnection project with Nexans,” said Michel Augonnet, Senior Vice President, Alstom Grid.

Nexans won the order in December 2010 and finalized its contract with Alstom Grid this year first quarter 2011. Once completed in late 2013, this project will reinforce the electricity supply in Malta.