This afternoon, the Minister for Sustainable Development, the Environment and Climate Change José Herrera addressed the inauguration of the photovoltaic and wind turbine project at the US Embassy.
Minister Herrera strongly commended this project, which includes a 350-kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic (PV) installation, a wind turbine and a solar pool heater. The new renewable energy systems will produce an estimated 509,000 kWh annually, whilst saving a substantial amount in energy costs.
Minister Herrera explained that the positive impact on ambient air quality that such an initiative is envisaged to have is being welcomed by his Ministry. Further improvements in air quality will be achieved through the use of cleaner and alternative energy sources. More so noting that Malta’s most significant air pollutants following those coming from transportation are those associated with combustion for energy generation.
He stated that in order to reach EU targets on renewable energy by 2020, this Government has launched several schemes that will continue to contribute in reaching targets whilst generating cleaner air.
Minister Herrera said that it was only through the strategic decisions taken on the energy mix that they have been able to make major reductions in Greenhouse Gas emissions. He said that this Government will continue to invest in further initiatives that will lead to better air quality.
“I congratulate Ms G. Kathleen Hill, Ambassador of the USA to Malta, for taking this important environmental initiative and I hope that other Embassies will follow suit” concluded Minister Herrera.
Photo: DOI
