PL regrets 'tragic' power station decision by Mepa - Enemalta explains

The Labour Party said this evening that it was disappointed by the decision taken by the Mepa board that had confirmed the government's decision to use heavy fuel oil for the operation of the power station extension at Delimara

"Today's decisions continues on the series of tragic decisions taken by the government to defend the BWSC power station," the PL said.

The choice made by the government was the worst that could have been taken since heavy fuel oil caused pollution and was detrimental to people's health, the PL said.  It insisted that the choice of a gas-firing power station would have been more environmentally friendly, and it would also have been better for the people's pockets. 

The PL reiterated that a Labour government would launch a process to convert the power station to gas, with the first step being conversion to gas oil.

ENEMALTA EXPLANATION

Enemalta said that in the coming months it would be  starting the engines in a process known as ‘hot testing’ which will be followed by a period of reliability and performance testing.

"Besides having a plant which fully conforms to the Air Quality standards defined in Directive 50/2008 of the European Union, thanks to this project,  Enemalta will also be able to finally decommission the four oldest and most polluting boilers at the Marsa Power Station," the corporation said.

"Such an achievement will not only mean increased fuel efficiency but also a significant reduction in overall emissions"

In the new Delimara extension, Enemalta said it will be using fuel oil which has a sulphur content of 0.7%. This type of fuel oil has been in use in both the Marsa and Delimara power stations since August 2010, resulting in a decrease in the amount of emissions.

"The Delimara extension will have unprecedented abatement technologies which will capture Nitrogen Oxides, Sulfur Oxides and dust particles from being discharged through the chimneys. All neccessary measures are being taken to reduce and capture these emissions ensuring the plant produces electricity with the lowest possible cost and with the least impact on the environment. Furthermore, if the Delimara extension does not meet the emission limits requested,  the contractor will be requested to take whatever corrective action necessary at the contractor’s expense to bring the plant into conformity," the corporation said. 

"Waste from the Delimara power station will be collected and stored into specially designed silos until it is ready to be transported to the Freeport via an established route which will minimise any impact on traffic," Enemalta added.

The tender for the collection, exportation and disposal in an accredited site was also  adjudicated today.

"Such transportation is heavily regulated by the EU ensuring all health and safety standards are adhered to. Enemalta will also be carrying a feasability study on an alternative route using the sea," the corporation said.

It said it is committed to providing detailed emission reports. Reports of this type are already available to the public via the Corporation’s website. The emission reports section continuously monitors data, in real time, from every chimney at Marsa and Delimara. This software tracks its emissions while comparing the reading to the stipulated EU levels. They help the Corporation take the necessary measures to ensure that these levels are respected throughout all of its operations.

In terms of the permit granted today, a monitoring committee will also be set up chaired by MEPA and consisting of one representative from Enemalta and one from the affected Local Councils.

See story on Mepa board's decision at

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111205/local/consultants-underline-financial-benefits-of-using-hfo-at-power-station-extension.396959