Landmark moment as Gibraltar generates LNG-fuelled power

Gibraltar has produced its first electricity using liquefied natural gas.

The Gibraltar Electricity Authority generated 5 megawatts of power at its new North Mole plant this morning.

In a tweet, Dr John Cortes, the Minister for the Environment, described it as "a historic moment" and said it represented Gibraltar's "cleanest ever" electricity.

Historic moment as @Gib_Elec generates its first 5mw from natural gas at the new North Mole Plant #Gibraltar. Our cleanest ever 5megs and a leap past the old diesel plants. Thanks to all involved especially @FabianPicardo & the team at @GibraltarGov & GEA. Dreams are coming true. pic.twitter.com/FCEW3y7pt5

— John Cortes (@cortes_john) January 19, 2019

The power generated today during a 30-minute trial was part of the commissioning process, which will take several weeks to complete.

Earlier this month Gibraltar’s new gas-fuelled power station welcomed its first LNG carrier as part of safety trials in the run-up to the start of operations.

The vessel Coral Methane rehearsed docking procedures at the new terminal at the end of the North Mole.

The operation provided an opportunity for staff to test the terminal’s special loading arm and its safety systems as the vessel unloaded a small volume of LNG cargo.