Šefčovič 'impressed' by limited space used for LNG power plant

Vice-President for Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič was "impressed" by the limited space being taken up for the construction of the new Delimara LNG plant.

In a friendly meeting with Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi, deputy prime minister Louis Grech and parliamentary secretary Ian Borg, Šefčovič said it was "impressive how the plan was fitted into such little space".

The ElectroGas project will offer a source of gas for both the BWSC plant and the LNG power station. A tanker is currently in Singapore being refitted for safety controls. It will be a temporary measure and eventually replaced by a gas pipeline. The government has awarded a tender for a route identification between Malta and Gela, in Sicily.

Highlighting the importance of an energy union, Šefčovič said he wanted the matter to be high on the agenda of EU prime ministers, along with the environment and transport. During the introductory comments, he also spoke on security of supply and how the EU needed to improve its efficiency and renew energy sources as it was currently taking up 50% of its energy for heating and cooling.

"None of this will be possible if we don't have all leaders on the same page, with the will to engage in dialogue," Šefčovič said.

On his part, Muscat said Malta's changing landscape in energy policy was moving forward in line with the EU's energy policy.

"We are totally committed to help and support the Commission into seeing the it has as many interconnections as possible and diversify its policies," Muscat said.