The corporation was referring to press reports regarding AD’s activity that was held last week in front of Marsa power station. The reports stated that Alternattiva Demokratika claimed the power station is not up to EU standards when it comes to toxic emissions of sulphur dioxide – a hazardous gas causing respiratory impairments including asthma.These claims are not correct, said Enemalta. In the last few years the corporation has reduced the sulphur content of the fuel it uses and as from this year it is using low sulphur fuel at both power stations. Contrary to what was claimed by Alternattiva, the emission of sulphur dioxide is well within EU limits.

The conversion to low sulphur fuel is costing Enemalta Corporation millions of liri per year, and this added expenditure is to date being absorbed by the corporation at a huge cost. Furthermore, the refurbishment of the electrostatic precipitators has reduced the emission of visible dust to very low levels.

Other measures for a clean environment taken by Enemalta include the replacement of leaded petrol by LRP (lead replacement petrol) and the reduction in the sulphur contained in diesel. The diesel that is being imported in Malta is Eurograde EN 590 diesel.

The corporation said it strongly recommended that, in future, Alternattiva Demokratika check their facts before bringing Enemalta Corporation into the fray.

If AD is still not convinced about their claims, they are invited to visit the power station to check the facts for themselves, the corporation concluded.