Alternattiva Demokratika has appealed to the government to run the Delimara power station extension on gasoil rather than heavy fuel oil.

AD spokesman on sustainable development Carmel Cacopardo said the plant could be run on both heavy fuel oil (HFO) and gasoil.

It is a known fact, highlighted through documentation available to the public, that gasoil has a lower environmental impact than HFO, both due to impact on air due to emissions and because gasoil does not produce hazardous waste, he said.

“The air quality in Marsaxlokk as well as the surrounding localities is already of dubious quality and the planning authority has the duty to ensure gasoil and not HFO is used while deliberating the Delimara power station environmental permit,” he said.

AD chairman Michael Briguglio said the government was failing to give priority to the efficient use of clean, renewable energy. He added that despite the introduction of some positive measures and plans for capital projects in this regard, Malta was constantly trailing behind other EU countries.

“Therefore, AD expects that the forthcoming Budget will include not only sporadic initiatives and plans which remain only on paper, but a holistic policy which truly gives priority to this sector,” Dr Briguglio said.