Enemalta is expecting to take over the Delimara power station extension in a few days’ time after final tests are carried out on a repaired steam turbine.

This follows the consultants’ endorsement of a final report, prepared by extension supplier BWSC, on the cause of the damage.

The takeover of the multimillion euro extension had originally been due to take place in October but had been delayed by the faulty turbine.

Last month the new plant was put into “safe shutdown” by Enemalta after it rejected a preliminary report by BWSC.

The turbine had been fully reassembled and had successfully passed tests at both intermediate and full loads but Enemalta was still expecting a “final report”.

That report, on the “root cause” of the damage to the turbine, has now been reviewed by consultants DNV KEMA and its conclusions endorsed. Enemalta said they also endorsed the mitigation measures taken by BWSC to prevent a re-occurrence of the damage.

The generating plant at the Delimara extension was re-started in preparation for the performance tests, which are getting underway this afternoon and expected to take three days to complete.

“After the satisfactory completion of these tests, the corporation will be able to take over the Delimara power station extension,” Enemalta said yesterday.