Updated | Nationwide power cut as Enemalta announce €1 million fuel savings

The nationwide power cut that hit central and Northern Malta is coming to an end, as power is being resorted to the affected localities.

The affected the localities include San Gwann, Naxxar, Iklin, Mellieha, Mtarfa, St Paul's Bay, Rabat, Bugibba, Qawra, and Mosta.

Gozo was also reportedly affected, specifically the localities of Sannat, Rabat, Xewkija, and Nadur.

The extensive power cut came just hours after Enemalta announces that, in its first week of operation, the controversial BWSC Delimara power plant extension produced 14,200 MWh of electricity, saving 1,500 tonnes of fuel oil and 300 tonnes of Gasoil in the process.

"With the plant's 47% efficiency 1,500 tonnes of Fuel Oil and 300 tonnes of Gasoil were saved, which equates to €1 million in fuel savings," Enemalta said.

The corporation added that the new plant is capable of producing around 24,000 MW every week but the engines are being operated on a special regime which will make sure there is appropriate flexibility when it comes to maintenance.

"Maintenance is carried out after a certain number of hours of operation, so in order to spread out the maintenance inspections, the engines need to have been in operation for different amount of hours to ensure the optimum use of all the generating plant at Delimara," the corporation.

Additionally, through the operation of the new plant and as a result of the reduction in output from Marsa power plant, Enemalta said it is expecting a reduction of 43,000 tones of carbon dioxide every month. Other emissions such as nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and dust will also be significantly reduced.

Damage sustained by a steam turbine in October delayed the hand-over of the Delimara power station extension by over a month, however the Danish contractor BWSC repaired the damages and handed over the plant last week.

Despite operating the Marsa Power Station for longer than originally planned, Enemalta said the total annual emissions are expected to be just within the annual limits for 2012 imposed by the EU.

The corporation took over the Delimara power station extension last week following the successful completion of the performance tests, which were carried out under the supervision of both Enemalta and external consultants DNV KEMA.

Enemalta also thanked its employees who will be working around the clock during this festive season in its various sections of the Corporation.