Delimara extension could run on gasoil - AD

Alternattiva Demokratika insisted that government should invest in alternative and clean energy while adding that the Delimara power station extension could run on gasoil instead of heavy fuel oil.

Addressing a press conference in Marsaxlokk, AD’s spokesperson on sustainable development Carmel Cacopardo said the plant could run on both heavy fuel oil and gasoil.

“It is a known fact, highlighted through documentation available to the public, that gasoil has a lower environmental impact than heavy fuel oil, both due to impact on the air due to emissions, as well as the by way of the fact that gasoil doesn’t ft produce hazardous waste,” Cacopardo said.

He said that the air quality in Marsaxlokk and in the surrounding localities is of “dubious” quality. MEPA, he said, has the duty to ensure that gasoil and not HFO is used while deliberating the Delimara power station environmental permit.

“Civil society has already expressed itself that the financial outlay to use gasoil does not exceed that cost if heavy fuel oil is used,” Cacopardo said. “This, before taking into consideration the expenses involved to dispose of the hazardous waste generated in a specialised landfill in Italy or elsewhere.

“The costs to be paid by society are, however, not just financial in nature but also social and environmental costs.”

He argued that the environmental costs resulting from the use of gasoil are much less than those resulting from using heavy fuel oil and this could already be seen through the Marsa power station.

“Weight has to be given to social costs as reflected primarily in respiratory ailments wherever there is a lowering of air quality. If Government is willing it can still remedy the situation by considering afresh its decision and selecting gasoil as the operating fuel.”

AD Chairperson Michael Briguglio said government has failed to prioritise the efficient use of clean energy that can be obtained from sources such as the sun and wind.

“Despite the introduction of some positive measures and despite plans for capital projects in this regard, Malta keeps trailing behind other countries in the European Union,” Briguglio said, adding that as an EU member, Malta is obliged to produce 10% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020, and it can only add CO2 emissions by 5% when compared to 2005.

Briguglio said the Green Party expects next budget would include not only initiatives and plans but also a holistic policy which gives priority to this sector. “In this way, Malta would be able to reduce its dependence on dirty energy with both economic and environmental benefits. Government should give priority to capital projects, and to fiscal measures and incentives, which are holistic and not restrictive.:

He added that government spending should be appropriate, and not merely “ceremonial.”

Ralph Cassar, spokesperson on energy said one finds it “difficult” to trust government and Enemalta with the operations of the Delimara power station extension.

“This is due to continuous efforts to pass false information to the public or omit certain truths. How can we trust Enemalta when it turns on and off the precipitators at Marsa power station (which collect the dust created from HFO) at will?

“Or after hiding behind investigations and keeping the report secret for six months, after the postponement of the consideration of the black dust problem? How can we trust the rhetoric when Enemalta and the government hid the mecaptan burning in Imgarr?”

AD said that despite the rhetoric on health and the environment, government and Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi “failed miserably”.