Last Updated on Thursday, 16 February, 2023 at 3:17 pm by Andre Camilleri
Minister Miriam Dalli confirms 2030 renewable energy target already exceeded
The Regulator for Energy and Water Services (REWS) is issuing a new call for the development of large-scale renewable energy installations that can provide clean energy for up to 7,000 households in the next few years.
During a press conference, Minister for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise Miriam Dalli launched this green investment opportunity for grid-connected renewable energy systems with a capacity of 1 megawatt or higher. With a total available capacity of 19 megawatts and a maximum environmental investment of €30 million in 20 years, this call will reduce up to 11,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide pollution every year.
Minister Dalli explained that this investment is giving entrepreneurs a strong incentive to invest in this sector of Malta’s green economy, creating new job opportunities, while contributing to the attainment of Malta’s environmental objectives.
“The results of our renewable energy investments in recent years are very encouraging. Eurostat figures show that by the end of 2021, Malta was producing 12.15% of its energy requirements from renewable sources. That means that we have already exceeded the 11.5% 2030 target established in our National Energy and Climate Plan. And this is not even including the renewable energy systems connected to the grid last year,” stated Minister Dalli.
However, Malta should not be complacent. “These results are a clear indication that we can do more than originally envisaged. After all, the 2030 target is not our destination, but a milestone along the way. The ultimate objective is climate neutrality, and the earlier we attain it, the quicker we ensure a sustainable future and a better quality of life for our people,” the minister added.
REWS is relaunching this 1 megawatt plus call for offers following several consultation meetings with stakeholders to improve its conditions for potential bidders. It is also the government’s second opportunity for private renewable investment in less than a year, following the launching of a similar €74 million REWS offer for medium-scale renewable energy systems, ranging from 40 kilowatt to less than 1 megawatt, last August. The remaining three of the five invitations to bid of this scheme will open in April, July, and October this year.
REWS also has other open grant schemes for smaller renewable energy systems for households, ranging from photovoltaic panels and battery storage to solar water heaters and other related technologies.
The uptake of grid-connected renewable energy systems in Malta and Gozo saw rapid growth during the last 10 years, up from a total capacity of 28.5 megawatts in 2013 to 222.25 megawatts today, an increase of 680%.
REWS Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Marjohn Abela, said that the details and conditions of the new 1 megawatt plus invitation to bid will be available on the REWS website on Friday, 17th February 2022. Prospective bidders can submit their offers between Monday 22nd and Tuesday 30th May 2023.
For more information, visit www.rews.org.mt/#/en/tenders/224 or contact REWS on enquiry@rews.org.mt or 22955000.
