Malta’s first autoclave, a pressure chamber capable of extracting animal fat from carcasses, was inaugurated in Marsa this morning. It is expected to reduce dependence on the incinerator and boost the environmental credentials of the country’s waste management.

The €12m project, partly financed through EU funds, will treat animal waste generated in Malta and Gozo, as well as other hazardous waste. The extracted animal fat (tallow) will be used instead of traditional fuel to power the incinerator.

“Up to today, when the incinerator is undergoing maintenance the process of incineration would have to stop and all carcasses would be stored in freezers until the incinerator is back in operation,” said environment minister Leo Brincat. “With this project, the process will continue seamlessly.”

Wasteserv chairman David Borg said the autoclave would also cut down on odour and pollution, while contributing to lower energy and fuel, resulting in a positive effect on climate change.

The autoclave will treat animal by-products from the civil abattoir and private slaughter houses, currently totalling 6,000 tonnes a year. The plant will also treat animal waste, which will be transferred for incineration once treated.

Energy released from the plant will also be used to produce hot water for washing purposes.

Also present for today’s inauguration was parliamentary secretary for EU funds Ian Borg, who expressed his satisfaction at the government’s commitment to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.