An investment project in Malta aims to tackle waste landfilling as part of a greater programme, thus helping reach EU targets and creating new economic opportunities.
- 26 November 2014
The construction of a new mechanical and biological treatment plant (MBT) will enable Malta to reduce landfilling of biodegradable municipal waste, and thus contribute to reaching the EU Landfill Directive targets. The MBT plant is the first part of a greater project, the second part consisting in treating animal manure in the same facilities, with adequate equipment.
The MBT plant will consist of a mechanical treatment plant, a biological plant with anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities, which will enable the organic fraction of household waste, and a gas storage unit to treat biogas and generate power. The MBT plant will include: waste pre-treatment, treatment and after-treatment facilities; storage space; a recovery and storage system for surplus heat; and a control room, laboratories and general staff facilities.
A waste-recycling project to stimulate economic growth
Main beneficiaries of the project will be the Maltese people in general, and more specifically the 59 500 people living in the North of Malta. It is also expected to benefit the local economy and tourists. Since it will lead to a better use of the land, it is also expected to benefit the local economy, including the tourism and waste disposal and re-utilisation sectors.
The MBT plant is to be located in the north of Malta, on two sites of the Maghtab Environmental Complex. Construction is expected to be completed by October 2015.
It is estimated that the project will create 170 jobs during its implementation, and 44 jobs once operational.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Setting up of a Mechanical and Biological Treatment Plant in the North of Malta” is EUR 59 243 056, of which the EU’s Cohesion Fund is contributing EUR 26 700 334 from the Operational Programme “Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life” for the 2007 to 2013 programming period under the priority axis “Environment”.