Updated - PN MPs warn of increased danger as Delimara gas storage requirements grow

Nationalist MPs this morning warned of the increased danger posed by the growth in gas storage requirements for the new power station in Delimara. The warnings were made during the debate on the Enemalta financial estimates, with Nationalist MP George Pullicino saying that those conducting the safety-related studies would be held personally responsible. Earlier, Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi said at the opening of the debate that Enemalta has spent €5m on emission abatement measures since the new BWSC power station was commissioned, a consequence of the former government's decision to opt for heavy fuel oil. Dr Mizzi said the corporation would this year make a loss of some €49 million, €16m less than the previous year. The corporation was owed €160m from customers including €11m due for the past five years. He regretted that the interconnector project had fallen back, to the extent that when the new government took over, the Italian authorities had still not issued planning permission. The permit was eventually issued, a year late. Plans were for the interconnector to be completed next year. Dr Mizzi said losses from power generation to billing were 12 per cent of generation, and...