As the sun sets over the Grand Harbour, casting a golden glow on the Three Cities, it’s easy to forget that the geopolitical storm raging in Eastern Europe could have ripples reaching Malta’s shores. Yet, a recent report has revealed that EU imports of Russian gas have hit their highest level since the invasion of Ukraine. So, what does this mean for Malta, and how are we navigating this complex energy scene?

Malta’s energy mix is a delicate balance, with natural gas making up around 70% of our electricity generation. While we’re not directly importing Russian gas, our reliance on LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) from global markets makes us vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply disruptions. The Enemalta power station in Marsa, a towering symbol of Malta’s energy infrastructure, is a constant reminder of this reality.

Our small size and limited resources mean we can’t afford to be complacent. Every decision we make about our energy future has implications for our economy, our environment, and our security. So, let’s dive into the numbers and understand what’s happening on the global stage and how it affects us locally.

The report, published by the independent think tank Bruegel, shows that EU imports of Russian gas increased by 7% in the first half of 2022 compared to the same period last year. This is a surprising turn of events, given the EU’s stated commitment to reducing its dependence on Russian energy. The invasion of Ukraine was supposed to be a turning point, a moment that would accelerate the transition to cleaner, more secure energy sources.

But the reality is more complex. The EU is facing a perfect storm of factors: soaring gas prices, reduced supplies from other sources, and the urgent need to fill storage facilities ahead of the winter heating season. Russia, meanwhile, is exploiting this vulnerability, offering discounted gas to countries that agree to pay in rubles.

Malta finds itself caught in the middle of this geopolitical tussle. Our energy policy has always been a balancing act, trying to keep costs down while also meeting our climate goals. The current situation makes this even more challenging. We’re not alone, of course. Every EU member state is grappling with the same issues, trying to find a way forward that protects their citizens and their economies.

Our government has been vocal about the need for a coordinated EU response. Minister for Energy and Water Management Miriam Dalli has been pushing for a common approach to energy security and a faster transition to renewable energy. But with each country pursuing its own interests, finding a consensus is proving difficult.

Meanwhile, on the ground, Maltese consumers are feeling the pinch. Energy prices are soaring, and businesses are struggling to keep their lights on. The government has introduced measures to help households and businesses cope, but the long-term solution lies in diversifying our energy mix and reducing our dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Malta’s energy future is a work in progress. We’re investing in renewable energy, with projects like the Delimara power station conversion to run on LNG and the upcoming solar farm in Marsaxlokk. We’re also exploring innovative solutions like floating solar panels and energy storage systems. But we need to do more, and we need to do it faster.

We can’t control the geopolitical storms raging elsewhere, but we can control how we respond. We can choose to invest in a resilient, sustainable energy future. We can choose to break our dependence on fossil fuels and secure our energy supply. We can choose to protect our economy and our environment.

As we look out over the Grand Harbour, let’s remember that our energy future is in our hands. It’s up to us to shape it, to make it a source of pride and prosperity for generations to come.