Malta’s Solar Energy: Public Sector’s Snail Pace

Solar Progress at a Crawl: Just Two New Installations in a Year

Imagine walking down Triq San Gwann, Malta’s bustling street, and noticing that despite the sun’s relentless beat, only two new solar installations have sprung up in the past year. This stark reality underscores a puzzling pace in Malta’s public sector solar energy adoption.

Malta’s Solar Potential: A Missed Opportunity?

Malta, with its Mediterranean climate, boasts an average of 300 sunny days a year. Yet, our public sector’s solar energy uptake seems to be stuck in first gear. According to the Malta Resources Authority, only two new solar installations were added in the public sector between 2020 and 2021.

Compare this to our private sector, where solar panel installations have been booming. Local companies like Enemed and APS have been leading the charge, installing solar panels on rooftops across the island. So, why the disparity in the public sector?

Barriers and Promises

One barrier could be the upfront cost of installation. However, with the government’s €30 million fund for renewable energy projects, this should be less of an obstacle. the long-term savings on energy bills and the environmental benefits make solar energy a sound investment.

Minister for Energy, Malta, Joe Mizzi, has promised that the government is committed to increasing the share of renewable energy in Malta’s energy mix. The National Energy and Climate Plan targets a 10% share of renewable energy in final energy consumption by 2030. Yet, the current pace of solar installation in the public sector seems to fall short of this ambition.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though. The government has been investing in other renewable energy sources like wind and waste-to-energy. The Delimara 5 power station, Malta’s first combined cycle gas turbine power station, is set to be the most efficient and environmentally friendly power station in Malta. But should we not be harnessing the power of the sun more aggressively?

Malta’s public sector has a significant role to play in driving this change. With over 1,000 buildings under its management, the public sector could lead by example, reducing its carbon footprint and saving taxpayers’ money in the long run.

So, as you walk down Triq San Gwann, look up at the rooftops. Imagine if more of them were harnessing the sun’s energy. Then ask yourself: why aren’t they?