Waste incinerators 'could be installed' on disused oil rigs

The government is considering installing waste incinerators on disused oil rigs as an alternative to waste disposal, environment minister Jose Herrera has revealed.

In an interview with the Times, Herrera singled out waste disposal as Malta’s greatest environmental challenge, with the island’s landfills predicted to fill up in around three years’ time.

“The EU doesn’t encourage landfills, so we have to decide on alternatives,” he said. “We’re looking at a number of alternatives that require massive investment. A technologically advanced incubator which produces energy and a minimum amount of waste. There is also plasma technology that doesn’t affect the environment. We’re also considering incinerators on disused oil rig platforms. This will be the next big thing in Malta.”

Herrera also proposed the formation of a new state authority  - Environment Malta - to act as a watchdog on development.

“You need a semi-autonomous entity which comes up with ideas to enhance the environment and regulate matters which have to do with the environment. Maybe even the parks could eventually fall under this new entity.”