Is it wise to close down Marsa power station without providing an alternative?

In the early Nineties, in the euphoria for the new power station at Delimara, some political candidates 'promised' the closure of the Marsa station, but it was soon realised that the Delimara power station only provided for the increase in electricity demand, and Marsa could not be dispensed with. The situation did not change when Delimara was expanded in 1998. According to Enemalta, Marsa still supplies 53 per cent of electricity demand.

The projected 100 megawatt extension of the Delimara station will not be sufficient to replace Marsa, with a capacity of 267 megawatts. Besides, the site area at Delimara suitable for heavy plant is quite limited and replacing Marsa is not possible without enlarging the site. This, however, will go against the provisions of the Marsaxlokk Bay Area Plan, which strictly confines the power station to the current limits.

That the present plant at Marsa should go is not disputed. It is old, inefficient and environmentally objectionable. But the proper thing to do is to replace the plant with modern, efficient and environment-friendly plant, not to relinquish the site, as is being proposed. Otherwise Government will have to start thinking of allocating a new site for a power station, an action that will not bring much joy to whoever is in power at the time.

This problem will be most acute in a few years' time when the first phase of Delimara becomes due for replacement, as this cannot be dismantled before replacement plant is in operation. What about a cable to Italy. Does it not solve all the problems?

No one knows, as no feasibility study has yet been carried out. My guess is that it is technically possible but the price of electricity will rocket, to the dismay of the public, and industry will lose its competitiveness. Government should consider the implications before taking the decision.