Gasco Energy has submitted the full development permit application to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority for the building and operation of a new fully certified LPG bottling and storage facility at Benghajsa with an investment of €25 million.
Last November, Gasco Energy, a joint venture between Multigas and Liquigas of Italy, signed a concession agreement with Enemalta whereby the latter transfers the management and operation of its LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) activities to Gasco Energy Ltd.
The application for the new storage and bottling plant, fully respecting the EU stringent criteria as established in the Seveso II Directives, includes the pipeline from the importation terminal to the facility, new LPG storage tanks, cylinder filling plant, cylinder testing plant, and an administration building.
Roberto Capelluto, Gasco Energy’s chief executive officer, said, “In our submission to Mepa, Gasco Malta has also submitted a series of renderings portraying a visualisation of the new plant. Once Mepa approves the Benghajsa installation project, Gasco Energy will be building this installation over a span of nearly three years. Gasco Energy will then transfer operations from Qajjenza to Benghajsa thus eliminating any risk the Qajjenza plant currently has due to its present location.
“Gasco Energy Ltd will significantly increase LPG storage facilities and therefore be securing a continuous, adequate supply of liquefied petroleum gas at all times to cater for present and future requirements of the Maltese market. The company will be maximizing the efficiency of gas bottling and storage operations through the application of modern technology and efficient work practices, while ensuring that appropriate quality, environmental and health standards are maintained at all times,” Mr Capelluto said.
As from 1 February, Liquigas Malta Ltd – a sister company of Gasco Energy Ltd – took over the gas distribution business from Enemalta, while Enemalta is still responsible for the gas cylinder filling operations at the Qajjenza plant.