Corradino Power Station
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| Corradino 'C' | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Location | Malta |
| Coordinates | 35°52′51″N 14°30′49″E / 35.88083°N 14.51361°E |
| Status | Abandoned |
| Owner | Enemalta |
The Corradino Power Station (also known as the Kordin underground power station as well as Corradino 'C') was an underground steam-powered electricity production facility located in tunnels underneath the Corradino industrial area of Paola, Malta. It formed part of Malta's early power infrastructure and operated until the late 1980s. [1]
Energy generation
Electricity was first introduced to Malta in the late 19th century, initially serving limited areas and privileged customers. As demand grew, the government extended supply to Valletta, Floriana, Cospicua, and other localities, necessitating a centrally located power station.[2][3][4]
The Corradino Power Station was established as a steam-generated plant with two processes, diesel-direct generation and steam turbines. By 1982, it was generating a measly 12 megawatts from steam turboalternator [5] compared to the 115 MW generated by Marsa A and Marsa B power stations in the same year.[6] Steam operations at Corradino ceased in 1987 and the site remained in service until 1992.[1][7]
Diesel-direct
English Electric Fullagar opposed-piston heavy fuel oil engines (1930s - 1940s[8]) directly drove generators. Heavy fuel oil was injected inside the cylinders which drove pistons coupled to alternators. This is a rare deisgn since of 12 surviving worldwide, six are located at Kordin.[9][10][11] Each four‑cylinder two‑stroke unit used opposed pistons in a single cylinder with a single crankshaft and oblique connecting‑rods driving the upper pistons, and incorporated built‑in scavenge pumps.[12]
Steam turbines
Separate boilers fed two Parsons steam turbines. It preceded and later coexisted with the larger Marsa Power Station, which began operation in the 1950s and was eventually decommissioned in 2015. [1]
Location and Site Background
The Corradino industrial area has a long history of strategic and industrial use. During the French blockade of Malta (1798–1800), Maltese insurgents constructed the Corradino Batteries on the heights above the area to besiege French positions in the Grand Harbour. By the 20th century, the area had become heavily industrialized.[13][14][3]
In the 1990s, a large fuel storage tank was constructed near the Corradino industrial area, opposite the Marsa Power Station, as part of a planned tank farm project. However, due to structural defects, the tank was never used and was slated for demolition in 2006. [1]