Updated: Enemalta exceeds emissions limit
Power station extension technology in line with best European standards - government
(Adds government's reaction)
Enemalta has exceeded the emission ceiling set by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, in line with the National Emission Ceilings Directive.
The National Emission Ceilings Directive sets maximum loads of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides which may be emitted by each EU state. The country then allocates these ceilings to sectors known to be a source of these pollutants. These ceilings became applicable last year.
In the case of Malta, national total ceilings for sulphur dioxide were set at 9,000 tonnes, of which 8,000 tonnes were allocated to the energy generation sector.
For nitrogen oxides, the national ceiling was 8,000 tonnes, of which 4,500 tonnes were allocated to the energy generation sector.
These limits were agreed between Enemalta and Mepa and were also set in the respective IPPC permits for Marsa and Delimara power stations.
Mepa said that Enemalta emitted a total of 8,140 tonnes of sulphur dioxide and 5,082 tonnes of nitrogen oxides last year. The excess was in violation of the IPPC permits Mepa had given for both power stations.
Mepa said it was now evaluating the situation. It said it requested Enemalta to submit a detailed plan to ensure compliance with its National Emission Ceilings this year.
GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO REDUCING EMISSIONS
The government was committed to reducing emissions and the technology to be used in the power station extension followed the best European standards.
This was so much so that German levels should be reached. Germany was known for its strict regulamentation with regards to emissions. The best technology which transformed emissions into waste which would then be exported, the government said in a statement.
It said that the Delimara and Marsa power station emissions could be verified hourly on the internet. There was also information about how local emission rates compared to European ones. It said that the closure of the Marsa plant would lower emissions and improve quality.
Through its investment in the Delimara power station and the interconnector with Sicily, Malta would have the necessary capability to produce the necessary emergy to keep up with the country's economic expansion to generate employment while improving air quality.
Only a guaranteed continuous provision of energy would attract investment, creating more employment opportunities for Mlatese workers, the government said.