Prime Minister inaugurates €23 million Gasco LPG facility

Gasco's €23 million sea importation terminal for liquid petroleum gas was inaugurated this evening by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi at Benghisa.

The terminal, a joint venture between Liquigas Italia and Multigas Ltd, was built in four years since the signing of an agreement between Gasco and Enemalta, providing storage capacity of 4,800 metric tonnes and six new LPG storage tanks.

The project comprises a pipeline from the sea terminal to the storage tanks, a cylinder filling plant, a road tanker filling point to deliver LPG cylinders to clients, and an administration building.

Gonzi welcomed the investment that will allow Malta to tap into a cleaner source of energy and ensure the closure of the Qajjenza plant, apart from providing a reliable, safe and adequate LPG supply.

"Gasco Energy's new plant will bring many benefits both for domestic consumers and enterprises," Gasco CEO Roberto Capelluto said. "This will lead to a better understanding of this clean and efficient energy source, not only in its traditional applications such as cooking, heating and hot water, but also for new areas such as autogas, air-conditioning, and the production of electricity using LPG."

Each shareholding partner is contributing particular strengths and areas of expertise to this enterprise. Liquigas Italia has delivered a very professional and rigorous approach, also through SHV which is the group holding company and a world leader in the sector.

Multigas Ltd, the Maltese partner in Gasco Energy, has drawn on many decades of experience, commitment and a high standard of operation in the industrial gas market in Malta.   

Gasco Energy chairman Louis A. Farrugia said: "Our new facility truly marks a turning point in the provision of energy in Malta, and therefore it is one of historical significance. The facility embodies the joint venture's commitment to 'do things properly' - in terms of planning, standards and quality investment.

"This private sector investment could never have happened unless the conditions were suitable for bank and private capital funding. Naturally this has to be achieved within a stable and fair regulatory framework."

The Prime Minister unveiled the inaugural plaque, a work of art by Maltese artist Luciano Micallef. The new facility was blessed by Birżebbuġa Parish Priest Reverend Nicholas Pace.