The old Enemalta gas storage and filling plant in Qajjenza, which had been in operation since 1959, has been officially decommissioned following a decontamination process.

The next step, which should start once the planning permit is issued, will be the dismantling and the disposal of the plant infrastructure and equipment.

In 2008, Enemalta and Gasco Energy Ltd, a joint venture between Multigas Limited and Liquigas SpA of Italy, signed a concession agreement whereby Enemalta transferred the management and operation of its liquefied petroleum gas activities to Gasco Energy Ltd and Liquigas Malta Ltd.

In fulfillment of the obligations set out in the terms and conditions of that agreement, Gasco Energy built – in a span of two years - a new fully certified LPG bottling and storage facility at Bengħajsa with an investment of €20 million.  The new storage and bottling plant, officially inaugurated last November, fully respects the EU stringent criteria as established in the Seveso II Directives.

Following the commissioning of the new Gasco Energy LPG facility, work started on the decommisioning of the Qajjenza plant, which stopped operating in July last year.

Following the results of the air quality analysis carried out on all the Qajjenza storage tanks, showing that there is no trace of combustibles, the site was certified gas free. It will continue to be monitored until all the empty tanks and ancillary equipment are removed.