Update: The European Commission said that it is concerned that Malta is failing to protect its citizens from noxious air pollution from a major power plant. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik, the Commission is sending a reasoned opinion. If Malta fails to reply within two months, the Commission said that it may refer the case to the European Court of Justice.

The EC said that under the Large Combustion Plants Directive – legislation designed to limit the emissions of various pollutants – Malta has agreed to operate its Marsa power station for no more than 20 000 hours between 2008 and its definitive closure no later than 2015.

“The power station, which produces some 45 % of Malta’s electricity, contains four combustion plants, three of which have already passed the 20 000 hours ceiling, while the fourth is approaching the ceiling. EU law contains no provisions for passing this ceiling, which is a final extension of earlier deadlines,” it said.

While a replacement power station is nearing completion, “concerns about timing remain and the Commission is of the opinion that Malta is therefore failing to protect its citizens from pollution emitted by the Marsa plants. A letter of formal notice was sent on 28 February 2012 inviting Malta to submit its observations within two months. In the absence of official reply, a reasoned opinion is now being sent,” EC said.

The overall aim of the Large Combustion Plants Directive is to reduce emissions of acidifying pollutants, particles, and ozone precursors. Control of emissions from large combustion plants – those whose rated thermal input is equal to or greater than 50 MW – plays an important role in the Union’s efforts to combat acidification, eutrophication and ground-level ozone as part of the overall strategy to reduce air pollution.

Update: In a statement responding to the European Commission, the Government said:

“The Government takes note of the Reasoned Opinion issued, today 21 June 2012, by the Commission on the infringement of Directive 2001/80/EC on the limitation of emissions of certain pollutants into the air from Large Combustion Plants (LCP), in relation to the operation of the Marsa Power Station. The Commission is claiming that three out of the four Marsa energy- generating plants concerned by this Directive have exceeded the 20,000 hours for which they were allowed to operate.

“The Government would again like to put on record its commitment towards ensuring a stable supply of electricity that meets Malta’s energy demands whilst respecting the highest possible environmental obligations.

“In 2006 the Government embarked on two major initiatives to replace the aging Marsa plant, namely, the commissioning of a new 144 MW extension of the Delimara Power Station and an interconnector to link Malta to the European electricity network. Contracts for these two major projects have been signed and work is well underway. However, delays in the procurement and approval processes, which were mostly due to the submission of bids which were not technically compliant, led to the commissioning dates of these projects being considerably delayed.

“In the meantime, however, it should be noted that the new 144 MW plant at Delimara has now been fully constructed and is undergoing final commissioning tests prior to it being handed over for commercial operation. This plant will be in compliance with the IPPC directive and will increase the energy generating capacity of the Delimara Power Station by 50%. This project, which represents an investment of €165 million, is expected to be in full service in the coming months. Had the plant procurement progressed as planned, Enemalta would have been able to reduce the output from the Marsa plant by at least 50% in summer 2010, with the result that the expiry of the permitted 20,000 hours would only have taken place in 2013.

“With regards to the second project on the submarine interconnector which will connect Malta to the European electricity grid in Sicily, the design of the interconnector and shore-stations have been finalised and manufacturing of the component parts for the terminal plant on shore has commenced. This project, which represents a further investment of €200 million, will be completed and in operation towards the end of 2013. Permits for the work in Malta have been issued and the permitting process in Italy is close to being finalised.”

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