Two projects being led by the University of Malta benefitted from the government’s financial support. Through the R&I investment scheme under the Energy and Water Agency, Teamwire and MaltaVGSS collectively received €400,000 in funding.
Pro-Rector Prof. Inġ. Simon Fabri, the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Prof. Emanuel Sinagra, and the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Inġ. Andrew Sammut, joined Energy Minister Miriam Dalli as she presented the grant agreements to the research teams. Ing. Charles Buttigieg, Chief Policy Officer at EWA, was also present.
Minister Miriam Dalli emphasised the importance of research and innovation in shaping Malta’s sustainable future. “Research and innovation are vital to address Malta’s challenges and achieve our sustainability objectives. Teamwire and MaltaVGSS showcase how collaboration and creativity can deliver practical solutions to safeguard our future,” Minister Dalli said.
Inġ. Charles Buttigieg also expressed his satisfaction with the continued interest in the R&I calls. “The consistent enthusiasm for our calls demonstrates the strength of local research and its potential to make significant international contributions.”
Prof. Inġ. Simon Fabri accentuated the university’s commitment and dedication to R&I. “These two projects are an example of the University of Malta’s commitment to pursue and implement advanced research projects that lead to novel solutions that address real-life, practical problems. Financial support from the government and its agencies is essential for us to fulfill such collaborative endeavours.”
This year’s beneficiaries address critical challenges in water and energy sustainability, offering innovative solutions that contribute to Malta’s resource management landscape.
Teamwire, a collaboration between the University of Malta and Italy’s Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, aims to develop cutting-edge solutions for leakage management in underground water pipes. Over the next two years, the project will pilot an electromagnetic detection system designed to enhance the reliability of water infrastructure through proactive maintenance strategies.
The MaltaVGSS project, led by the University of Malta and ReEnergy Ltd, focuses on creating a Virtual Network Support Service (VGSS) to coordinate small-scale battery storage systems across the Maltese Islands. Over three years, the project will work to produce a prototype that integrates renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic installations and reduces strain on energy infrastructure. By leveraging IT-driven controls and distributed storage solutions, MaltaVGSS aims to set a benchmark for innovative energy management while supporting Malta’s sustainability goals.
Since its launch in 2020, the R&I scheme has invested more than €2 million in 15 projects addressing Malta’s energy and water challenges. This year’s projects exemplify how locally driven research can tackle global sustainability goals while fostering resilience and efficiency.
EWA continues to prioritise local research, with the recently closed 2024 R&I call receiving proposals in areas such as renewable energy integration, efficient irrigation systems, and advanced water management technologies. These initiatives aim to build on EWA’s legacy of fostering innovation and ensuring sustainable growth.
