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wiredInUSA - March 2016
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INDEXThe Gozo University group (GUG) is
calling for a second fiber optic cable
between Malta and Gozo to safeguard
Gozo businesses. The group claims that
businesses are vulnerable with only a single
cable between the islands, and that this is
proving an obstacle for foreign investment.
GUG states that Gozo is in need of fresh
opportunities for the current and future
generations: “It’s a well known fact that
the majority of graduates, who are the
heart and future of Malta’s sister island, look
elsewhere for a career. Not by choice, but
it’s because it’s the only option available,”
adding that it should be of common
interest to address every possible obstacle
to foreign investment.
A meeting with Dr Alfred Sant, MEP, was
held to discuss the possibility of EU funds for
the establishment of a second fiber optic
cable. Dr Sant explained that this is highly
possible, but the government needs to
apply for the funds. GUG appealed for this
to be made a priority.
Call for cable back up
Siemens has a contract to be a part of the
COBRA link between the Dutch and Danish
power grids.
Siemens will supply the two HVDC converter
stations at both ends of the DC power line,
routed as a subsea cable through the North
Sea. The scope of the order covers two
700MW converter stations for a DC voltage
of ±320kV. The two converter stations will be
linked by a 325km DC power cable.
“We are extremely pleased to drive forward
the development of a high-performance,
European interconnected power system
together with Energinet dk, TenneT and
Prysmian [suppliers of the HVDC cable]”,
stated Jan Mrosik, CEO of the Siemens
energy management division.
TenneT CEO Mel Kroon said: “One main
purpose of the COBRA cable is to promote
competition in the northwest European
energy market, which will ultimately benefit
consumers. Because we are directly linking
the Dutch and Danish power grids, the security
of supply for businesses and consumers in
both countries will also increase. Plus the
Netherlands will be able to import more
renewable electricity, generated mainly by
Danish wind turbine farms.”
The link is scheduled to begin commercial
operation in early 2019.
Securing supply