Enemalta requested to comply with national emissions ceilings

The National Emission Ceilings Directive (2001/81/EC) sets maximum loads of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides which may be emitted by each EU Member State. The country then allocates these ceilings amongst sectors known to be a source of these pollutants. These ceilings became applicable in the year 2010.

In the case of Malta, national total ceilings for sulphur dioxide were set at 9,000 tonnes, of which 8,000 tonnes were allocated to the energy generation sector.

For nitrogen oxides, the national ceiling was 8,000 tonnes, of which 4,500 tonnes were allocated to the energy generation sector. These limits were agreed between Enemalta and MEPA and were also set in the respective IPPC permits for Marsa and Delimara Power Stations.

Enemalta, from the total value of the Marsa and Delimara power stations, emitted 8,140 tonnes of sulphur dioxide and 5,082 tonnes of nitrogen oxides in 2010. These exceedances are in violation of IPPC permits which the Authority had given for both power stations.  MEPA is evaluating the situation.

MEPA has requested Enemalta to submit a detailed plan to ensure compliance with its National Emission Ceilings in the year 2011.