Analysis of the new submarine interconnection system between Italy and Malta: Simulation of transmission network operation

In this paper, some simulations of the interconnected Sicilian and Maltese transmission systems are performed, in order to assess this new system configuration. The HVAC submarine interconnection between Italy and Malta came into operation in 2015 and is part of a European programme for transmission grid interconnection improvement. This new line has been built in order to allow a better management of the power system of both the islands. Firstly, a brief description of the interconnection system is given. Moreover, the transmission systems of Sicily and Malta are depicted and their structures are shown. The simulations are carried out by means of a model of the interconnected system created on purpose on NEPLAN® environment. Some working scenarios are assumed in order to perform load flow calculation and to highlight the effects of power export towards Malta. In order to find the contribution to the power exported through the interconnection line, a power flows tracing method is implemented. The results show that the Sicily-Malta interconnection makes possible a significant improvement of RES exploitation in Sicily, a better management of Sicilian traditional plants and a reduction of the polluting emissions from the two obsolete Maltese fuel oil thermal plants.