Oldest plant at Marsa power station ‘to be conserved for historic significance’

The rock-cut structures and the remaining equipment of the 1953 underground ‘A’ station, the oldest plant at the Marsa Power Station, will be conserved due to their “historical significance”, MaltaToday has learnt.

As per Labour’s electoral pledge, once the power station has been dismantled and all electricity-generating equipment and buildings cleared, the land will be used to help regenerate the Marsa harbour area.

A few weeks ago, Enemalta’s board of directors approved a management’s proposal to officially decommission Boilers 3 and 4, and turbines 1, 2, 3, and 4, built between 1966 and 1970. The go-ahead effectively means that the dismantling process can start.

The Marsa Power Station has been providing electricity for over 60 years but was given a 20,000-hour limit of operation by the EU in 2008 due to its pollutant emissions. Fines imposed on Enemalta for exceeding this limit reached around €2.5 million earlier this year. 

The landmark planning application to decommission, dismantle and demolish the Marsa power station was presented by Enemalta to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority in August. Along with traffic, the Marsa power plant is considered to be a leading source of air pollution in the country.

The power station, which was installed in the galleries excavated at the base of Jesuits Hill, in Marsa, was inaugurated on 5 December, 1953. A commitment to close it down was first made by the newly elected PN government in 1987 following its decision to construct a new power station in Delimara. This promise was made amidst protests by environmentalists on the impact of the new power station on the quaint fishing village.

In 2011 MEPA confirmed that the power station was the likely source of the black dust problem in neighbouring towns.

According to a spokesperson for the Energy Ministry, it will be Enemalta’s own employees who will start the preparatory work of dismantling these boilers and turbines.

“Enemalta sought to maximise the use of its own human resources and expertise, making sure to avoid subcontracting works that could be carried out by its employees to third parties,” the spokesperson told MaltaToday.

The preparatory work includes isolating the systems, cleaning redundant fuel lines, lubricating oil tanks and clearing nearby areas.

The Energy Ministry will also issue a call for offers for the demolition of chimneys, tanks and nearby structures.

“A call for offers for the demolition of three of the power station’s chimneys, four heavy fuel oil tanks, their bunds and other nearby structures will be issued with a few days,” the spokesperson added.