ADPD Calls for 50% Renewable Energy by 2030

Imagine standing at Mellieħa Bay, the sun dipping below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and red. Now, picture that same sunset in 2030, but with a cleaner, greener twist. That’s the vision the Alternattiva Demokratika (AD) Party is pushing for, with their call for a 50% renewable energy target by the same year.

AD’s proposal is part of their wider strategy to combat climate change and reduce Malta’s dependence on imported energy. The target is ambitious, but achievable, according to the party. “We’re not talking about a distant future,” says Michael Briguglio, AD’s spokesperson on energy. “2030 is just nine years away. It’s a realistic goal if we start acting now.”

The 50% target is also significant because it would place Malta among the leading countries in Europe in terms of renewable energy integration. “It’s not just about Malta,” Briguglio adds. “It’s about showing the rest of Europe that small countries can lead the way in the transition to clean energy.”

AD’s plan involves a mix of renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and wave power. They propose increasing the target for solar energy installations on rooftops and facades, and investing in larger-scale solar and wind farms. Wave power, a unique opportunity for Malta given its location, is also on the agenda.

The party also calls for a more decentralized energy system, with communities generating their own power. “We want to see more community-owned renewable energy projects,” Briguglio says. “This not only helps reach our targets but also empowers local communities.”

AD also proposes a phase-out of fossil fuel subsidies and the introduction of incentives for renewable energy. They also call for better energy efficiency standards in buildings and appliances.

While the plan is ambitious, it’s not without its challenges. Malta’s small size and high population density mean there are limits to how much renewable energy can be generated locally. The party acknowledges this, but Briguglio argues that “Malta can still do much more than it’s doing now.”

AD is now calling on the government to adopt their proposals and start working towards the 2030 target. They also invite the public to engage in the debate and push for a greener future. “This is not just about politics,” Briguglio says. “It’s about our future, our children’s future. It’s about the kind of Malta we want to live in.”