Sargas, the Norwegian energy company proposing to operate a coal- and biomass-fired power plant, yesterday expressed concern at the way the proposal has been debated in the local political fora.

We had never expected such a controversy. We have no agenda

“We had never expected such a controversy. We have no agenda, are not linked to any former or present politician or political party and our wish is to steer clear of any political controversy,” Martin Rödén, Director of Business Development of Sargas said.

Reacting to “misconceptions and incorrect statements”, Mr Rödén said Sargas guaranteed reduced cost of electrical energy. The plant, he said, will not be a floating plant and it will not replace but will instead complement the new heavy fuel oil plant.

Mr Rödén said Sargas technology is not in prototype phase, its technology is proven and in full scale operation in a number of countries such as Sweden, Germany and Japan. Its technology does not depend on coal.

A pre-feasibility study identifying the site, basic conditions and requirements conducted with Enemalta in February 2011, concluded that the delivered cost of electricity to the grid would be 7.5 euro cents per kWh, in 2016. Based on today’s consumer tariffs in Malta, this figure would be around half the current cost of electricity produced today.

Mr Roden explained that the plant will be shipped in one piece to Malta by sea and embedded permanently to the ground 200m south the Delimara power station.

This power station will complement the new HFO and future wind power plants. The proposal does not depend on an EU funding programme. Mr Rödén said the new interconnector to Italy creates an opportunity for the power plant for exporting clean carbon negative electrical energy from Malta.

He said modern plants and energy production facilities have thorough surveillance systems and procedures of all pollutants including any possible radiation.

He said Sargas has proposed to Enemalta and the government to carry out a feasibility study.

Mr Rödén said long-term benefit for Malta of Sargas technology is based on four basic understandings including low cost electricity, capturing and removing emissions and export surplus energy to Italy subject to agreements and market conditions.