BWSC’s second report into turbine damage being examined

A second report prepared by BSWC into the damage sustained by the Delimara power station extension steam turbine during testing is currently being examined by a group of independent international experts.

Speaking during a visit to the interconnector tunnel currently being excavated at Maghtab, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi answered questions about developments in the impasse over damage sustained by the power station extension.

The situation came to a stalemate when BSWC's initial report into the incident where a steam turbine was damaged and had to be shipped to the UK for repairs, was deemed insufficient by Enemalta.

He said that Enemalta had opted to reject the first damage report supplied by BSWC "as it was not satisfied that the report fully explained the causes of the damage, and the likelihood that it would happen again."

However Gonzi said that BSWC has finalised a second, more comprehensive report, adding that "it is currently being examined," by a group of international independent exports.

Gonzi said that should these experts be satisfied by the report's rigorousness and depth, Enemalta would go forward with testing.

Asked to give a date when the Delimara power plant extension would be taken over by Enemalta and begin operations, Gonzi was non-committal.

Regarding a date by when the Delimara power station extension would be operational, Gonzi said that he could not commit himself, saying only that the plant will not be handed over before he and Enemalta are satisfied with the end result.

"Once Enemalta and the government are satisfied with the report, testing will re-commence," Gonzi affirmed.

He also reiterated Government's commitment to ensuring that BSWC upholds its end of the contractual agreement by covering costs and paying all penalties stemming from the damaged turbine and resulting delays.

Asked about the present delay caused by Enemalta's refusal to accept BSWC's first report into the turbine damage incident, and its insistence on a more complete report, Gonzi said that such delays fall within the remit of the turbine damage.

As such, he argued that all costs stemming from this delay should be covered by BSWC.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi was speaking during a visit at the site where the interconnector tunnel is excavated in Maghtab, which will connect the interconnector from Sicily to the Distribution Centre in Kappara.

Speaking after his visit deep into the tunnel (currently approximately 700 metres deep), Gonzi explained that Italian authorities are close to concluding the administration process and works on the Italian end are expected to commence soon.

The 200-megawatt interconnector will link Malta to Sicily and is set to be operational by 2013.

The interconnector will be operational in 2013. The 220 kV interconnector will ensure that no less than 200 MW is continuously delivered to the all receiving ends in order to facilitate the import and export of power between Malta and Sicily.

The subsea cable will run 100 km from Qalet-Marku in Malta to Marina di Ragusa on the coast of Sicily.

During his address, Gonzi emphasised the importance of Malta being able to rely on diverse sources for its energy, and said that the interconnector will be allow Malta to be more flexible in its energy plans.

He added that Malta is currently negotiating with the EU to secure funding within the upcoming 2013-2020 budget for a gas-pipeline.

"This will mean that the Delimara Power Station could run on gas, and thus decrease our exposure to fluctuations in oil prices," Gonzi said.

Gonzi also explained that the interconnector has been designed to allow a link-up with any possible offshore wind farm, should one be constructed in the future.

He said that the interconnector represents an investment of €200 million, and was partly funded from EU coffers which the Government applied for between five to six years ago when planning started.

As for wind energy, the government's original plan presented in 2006 was to exclude near-shore and land-based wind farms in favour of a wind farm located in deep waters for which an international call for expression of interest was issued. But the technology for this kind of development was still at an experimental stage at the time.

Gonzi also added that depending on which technology is used in the construction of the actual interconnector, it would be capable of exporting as well as importing energy.

He however said that "these are long-term solutions which we should not enter into just yet as we would straight-jacket ourselves."

Gonzi also fielded questions regarding how the company which was awarded the interconnector tender, Polidano bros, has been involved in several environmental abuse cases, and whether Government.

Asked whether he feels that Government should use its muscle against such environmentally-abusive companies in this sector as well, Gonzi was evasive, insisting that MEPA and other competent companies are in touch with Polidano so that " if there are difficulties, these are resolved, and if there are enforcement notices, discussions are on-going with the Polidano group."

"I am persuaded that a company that employs between 800 to 900 people, it is in its interest as much as it is in ours, to ensure that things are done according to the law and in accordance with environmental regulations, so that the whole country benefits," Gonzi said.

"I am certain that with good will, this is what is done by everyone involved," he said," he added.