Gas pipeline study to be ready by year's end
Enemalta to celebrate 25th anniversary
The feasibility study into laying a gas pipeline between Malta and Sicily being carried out by SNAM, a subsidiary of Italian oil giant ENI, should be ready by the end of the year, Enemalta Corporation chairman Robert Ghirlando said.
In January, Enemalta and one of the world's leading natural gas suppliers, SNAM, signed an agreement to carry out a detailed study to establish the technical viability and economic feasibility of laying a gas pipeline between the two islands.
The study will also go into the cost of modifications to the power stations for the use of gas instead of fuel oil, if this were found to be feasible.
Prof. Ghirlando said such a pipeline would cost between $120 million to $140 million and take approximately 18 months to build.
"It will probably take longer to take the decision than to build the pipeline," Prof. Ghirlando said.
He was yesterday speaking in Marsa where he launched the programme of activities to celebrate the corporation's official 25th anniversary.
The events kick off on September 14 with a free concert by the National Orchestra at Mediterranean Conference Centre which will include works by Charles Camilleri, Joseph Vella, Paolino Vassallo and Carmelo Pace.
Under the directorship of Mro Christopher Muscat, the concert will include two piano concertos by Caroline Calleja and Lucia Micallef.
Prof. Ghirlando said that after Wednesday the public may call on 22980557 to book their free tickets.
The events will continue with a ceremony on September 27 to reward the Marsa plant's worker of the year.
The actual anniversary date, October 1, will be marked with a concelebrated thanksgiving Mass by Archbishop Joseph Mercieca in memory of deceased employees.
On the weekend between October 5 and 6 the corporation will have open days at the Marsa power station and the Marsa south distribution centre with guided tours for the public.
Other open days will be held between October 12 and 13 at the Delimara station and the 31st March petroleum installation at Birzebbuga.
On October 18, there will be a two-day national conference at the Mediterranean Conference Centre which will bring together several local and foreign experts.
The conference will delve into the EU and energy policy; conventional energy; renewable energy and energy efficiency.
The events will come to an end in December with a special silver jubilee reception for employees at the New Dolmen Hotel in Qawra.