Studies on gas-firing power plant ‘not yet finalised’

The process leading to a decision on whether gas should be used for the generation of electricity after the Marsa power station is closed down has not been concluded.

Finance Minister Tonio Fenech told Jesmond Mugliett (PN) that both the current generating plant at Delimara and the planned extension could be converted to use gas.

Last week Mr Mugliett, a former minister, said on television that the Cabinet in the last legislature had decided that the power station extension should be gas-firing, and Cabinet was not informed when the decision was changed to heavy fuel oil.

In yesterday’s parliamentary question, Mr Mugliett asked what studies and estimates had been made on the infrastructure necessary for the country to have a gas-firing power station. He also asked if consultants had been engaged for the purpose, who they were, and whether their report could be tabled in the House.

Minister Fenech said studies had been made in 2003 on the feasibility of a gas pipeline link from Sicily. The study had been conducted with ENI and showed that major capital investment was required.

A request for proposals had later been issued, in which bidders had been asked to submit studies on the possibility of importing liquefied gas and compressed natural gas on tankers.

It had become clear that several limitations needed to be considered, including the need for a substantial area for gas storage, and the risks inherent with the need for frequent consignments by sea, including bad weather.

There were also problems related to having a long-term gas provision contract.