Works on the Delimara gas-fired power plant are progressing and on schedule, according to Electrogas, the consortium tasked with developing the project.
The Malta Independent visited the site earlier this week and noted a hive of activity in the area where the gas-fired turbines will be installed. We also noted that a large barge, presumably to be used for installing the jetty that will link the gas storage tanker to the onshore facility.
The scene at present is a far cry from what we witnessed a few months back, when it was evident that the project was lagging far behind. Following this paper’s investigative reports and questions to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, the government had admitted that the project would miss its March 2015 deadline. Dr Muscat had insisted, at first, that the project would only be delayed by a “few months” but Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi ultimately announced that the new deadline was set at July 2016.
Four main parts
In simple terms the project is split up into four parts: A 200 Megawatt Combined Cycle Gas Plant (CCGP), the Floating Storage Unit, which is a specifically converted LNG carrier that will act as a storage unit, the jetty that will link it to land and the onshore regasification unit, which will convert liquefied gas from the tanker back into gas form for the turbines.
The Electrogas Consortium is made up of four players: Siemens, Gasol, SOCAR and GEM Holdings. Siemens is handling the actual construction of the CCGP. The FSU is being converted by Malaysian firm Bumi Armada. The regasification unit is under construction by Athens-listed J&P Avax.
Replying to our questions, a spokesperson for Electrogas said work by Siemens and their contractors is continuing according to the consortium’s schedule. “All piles are now installed and prepared for the power station foundations to be laid. The bases for our three tower cranes are also installed – these will form an integral part of the major on-going works.”
The spokesperson said another onsite development is the installation of the base reinforcement for the three Heat Recovery Steam Generators. (HRSG) The gas turbine foundations are also being excavated and prepared. “Over the coming period, these foundations will be completed ahead of receiving plant and equipment to site.”
Gas turbines under construction
Siemens is currently manufacturing the gas turbines and Electrogas experts will be travelling to witness rotor balancing tests in the next few weeks. “The HRSGs have high-pressure parts which are being pressure-tested also in the coming weeks, and the bulk of the steelwork for these HRSGs should arrive on site in the coming months.”
The barges which will be used to carry out the offshore piling works have also arrived on site. “The piles themselves have started being welded to get them ready to drive. There is an ongoing process to set out the pile locations for the construction team to ensure that they correspond exactly with the approved design. Piling for the jetty will continue throughout the coming months.”
Electrogas said the “major work” on the regasification compound is taking place offsite at the moment, with the main regasification units being manufactured and other key items for the compound being procured.
When contacted yesterday, a spokeperson for the Energy Ministry would not commit to say that the project was on track, insisting that all questions related to the project should be sent to Electrogas.