The first call for research and innovation projects as part of the Clean Energy Transition Partnership program has been launched.
The main objective of this research program is to drive the transition towards the use of clean energy while contributing to the European Union’s goal of being the first continent with a neutral climate by 2050 . Through this program, Malta will be participating in the Horizon Europe Partnerships.
This call will open on the 14th of September and will close on the 23rd of November 2023. The research projects funded by this program will be able to deal with a variety of topics in this field including :
Energy without emissions
Solutions for heat and cold
Clean technologies
Alternative fuels
The Department of Internationalization within the Maltese Council for Science and Technology (MCST) will be responsible for the implementation of this program and will be offering half a million euros each year, with a total of €3.5 million over 7 years, to local participants to join international researchers and professionals on research projects that reflect the aim of this programme.
The Minister for Environment, Energy and Enterprise Miriam Dalli said that, “Research and innovation are the key to reducing dependencies on non-renewable sources and eliminating pollution. Therefore, programs such as the Clean Energy Transition Partnership, which incentivize research and innovation in this field, will serve both local and international needs. This is in order to find alternative fuels and gradually make the transition to clean energy, as is actually targeted in Malta’s Low Carbon Development Strategy.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation Keith Azzopardi Tanti claimed that, “This program will offer several opportunities for the industrial sector as well as for our researchers in Malta. The fact that several calls for research projects will be issued, as part of this program, clearly shows the long-term commitment of the Maltese government.” He went on to say that, “In fact, through this program we will increase the opportunities for work and new research, as well as it will be of interest to today’s students, to the graduates of tomorrow and for those who wish to work in this sector.”
The Executive Chairman of the MCST Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando stressed that, “It is an honor for us that the Council is launching and fully participating in the first Horizon Europe Partnership: the Clean Energy Transition. Through meetings and discussions by MCST representatives, an official agreement was reached on the participation and the amount of funds. Thanks to this launch, we are confirming the Council’s commitment to fostering new ideas and increasing innovation through research projects. Our ongoing commitment leads us to offer the best possible opportunities to stakeholders – which include industry, academia, as well as our citizens. That way we help them achieve every success.”
