The risk analysis for the new gas-fired power station must be completed before a development permit is granted as this would decide the location of the plant, Din l-Art Helwa said this morning.

The organisation referred to comments by Enemalta that the analysis would be completed in the environmental permit (IPPC) phase, after the development permit is granted.

It insisted that it must be completed before.

"The studies available so far indicate that some of the major risks are linked to the location of the plant, especially the gas storage unit. The environmental permit will focus on the operational aspects of the unit, and not its location."

It asked if the process of 2011 when the Delimara power station extension was granted was to be repeated. Then, the planning permit had also been granted well before the environmental permit was decided, something local councils and others had disagreed with.

"As the environmental permit for the new power station is already being drafted, Din l-Art Helwa maintains that the development permit and the environmental permit studies should be completed and assessed together, to ensure that a holistic and well-informed decision is taken on this project of major national importance.

"A complete assessment of risks to health and safety of the proposed gas storage in Marsaxlokk bay must be presented before any decisions are taken," it said.