The Government this afternoon explained its position after a Formal Notice issued by the European Commission regarding the infringement of an EU Directive on the limitation of emissions of certain pollutants by the Marsa Power Station. The Commission is claiming that three out of the four Marsa energy-generating plants have exceeded the 20,000 hours for which they were allowed to operate.
The Times reported today that Mepa only took action to start fining Enemalta for overrunning its use of the Marsa power station after Brussels opened formal infringement procedures.
In its statement, the government reiterated its commitment towards ensuring a stable supply of electricity that meets Malta's energy demands whilst respecting environmental obligations.
"In 2006 the Government embarked on two major initiatives to replace the aging Marsa plant, namely, the commissioning of a new 144 MW extension of the Delimara Power Station and an interconnector to link Malta to the European electricity network.
"Contracts for these two major projects have been signed and work is underway. However, delays in the procurement and approval processes, which were mostly due to the submission of bids which were not technically compliant, led to the commissioning dates of these projects to be considerably delayed.
"In the meantime, however, it should be noted that the new 144 MW plant at Delimara has now been fully constructed and is undergoing commissioning for it to start operating. This plant will be in compliance with the IPPC directive and will increase the energy generating capacity of the Delimara Power Station by 50%. This project, which represents an investment of €165 million, is expected to be in full service by June 2012. Had the plant procurement progressed as planned, Enemalta would have been able to reduce the output from the Marsa plant by at least 50% in summer 2010, with the result that the expiry of the permitted 20,000 hours would have been extended to 2013," the government said.
INTERCONNECTOR PROJECT
With regards to the second project on the submarine interconnector which will connect Malta to the European electricity grid, the design of the interconnector and shore-stations have been finalised and manufacturing of the component parts for the terminal plant on shore has commenced. This project, which represents a further investment of €200 million, will be completed and in operation by October 2013.
"The operation of the Delimara Power Station extension by June 2012 will result half of the Marsa Power Station being taken out of service. The remaining two plants will be progressively reduced and shut down by October 2013," the government added.
It noterd that Enemalta has taken mitigating measures to reduce emissions from the Marsa Power Station. This was achieved through the use of higher quality fuel containing lower sulphur and by making modifications to the boiler combustion system of the plants, which have resulted in lower SO2, NOx and dust levels.
"This demonstrates that the Government has taken serious action and is continuing to invest in Malta's energy supply security while taking measures to mitigate the negative effects of keeping the Marsa Power Station in activity pending the completion of major investment projects."