Marsascala’s Distribution Centre now with double the capacity thanks to multi-million investment

A multi-million investment by Enemalta in its distribution centre (DC) in Marsascala has resulted in the doubling of its capacity, reinforcing the electricity supply in Marsascala and the surrounding localities.

During a tour of the new DC, Energy Minister Miriam Dalli commended Enemalta’s commitment in the execution of its action plan, as the entity is on track with its €90 million investment plan, spread over six years, to reinforce the country’s distribution system, which is now in its second year.

Against an investment of close to €3 million, this DC project has reinforced electricity supply across various localities, from Marsascala to Birżebbuġa, including Żejtun, Żabbar and Marsaxlokk.

Minister Dalli explained how Enemalta’s six-year action plan is progressing, having already finalised works on other distribution centres in Tarxien and Imrieħel.

The minister explained that last year, Enemalta invested in 48 new substations in several localities including Mosta, Attard and Marsa; it invested in around 80 new feeders which transmit electricity from substations to residential streets. Other interventions were also carried out, to improve the service provided to businesses and families. “Through these projects, Enemalta seeks to meet the increased demand resulting from economic and social development. Suffice to say that, in just one year, Enemalta registered 12,000 new clients,” said Minister Dalli.

“These investments are being made whilst ensuring that electricity tariffs remain stable for families and businesses, in view of increases in the international prices of energy,” concluded the minister.

Enemalta CEO Jonathan Cardona explained that the Marsascala DC investment was composed of the extension of the building and the installation of a third transformer with a capacity of 22.5MVA. Thus, the capacity of this DC doubled to 45MVA, allowing for the possibility of carrying out maintenance works on one of the three transformers without interrupting electricity supply to both residents and businesses in the area, when the need arises.

Mr Cardona thanked the technicians and engineers who worked on this project over the past months, which also included the installation of new 11kV and 33kV switchgears and a modern protection system, which prevents further damage should a fault develop.

“This project is only part of the €15 million per year Enemalta is investing to reinforce its electricity distribution system. This year we are in the process of issuing a call for the upgrade of a DC in Imsida and we are making plans for another DC in Naxxar,” continued the CEO. He also added that Enemalta is committed to commissioning between 40-50 new substations every year, amongst other reinforcements of the electricity distribution system.