Participating in the Energy Council held in Brussels, the Minister for Environment, Energy and the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour, Miriam Dalli, emphasised the importance of ensuring equity amongst all Member States when it comes to the Green Transition, so that no Member State is left behind.
Energy Minister Miriam Dalli was discussing the importance of putting in place the required flexibilities to maximise the potential of renewables whilst at the same time understanding the different realities on the ground.
In this regard, Minister Dalli emphasised on the importance of cross-border interconnections, including both for electricity and green hydrogen, as Malta wants to ensure all the possibilities to tap into clean energy.
When it comes to Energy Storage, Miriam Dalli asked for more flexibility within the Electricity Market Design when it comes to investments in Battery Energy Storage Systems for isolated Member States.
Meanwhile, Minister Dalli insisted on facilitating a more rapid deployment of renewables in ensuring the energy transition. She stressed the importance of having the necessary agreements and partnerships in place with third countries. Furthermore, Minister Dalli called on the Commission to be flexible in its proposals, as policies do not apply the same for all Member States, including Malta with its geographical limitations which include limited land space and deep bathymetry. Minister Dalli explained that it is for this reason that Malta is exploring floating offshore technologies, which, however, require substantial investment. Therefore, she called for more support, in terms of funds and investments in R & D, so that the necessary supply chains are developed.
Meanwhile, energy Ministers discussed the overall EU preparedness for the winter of 2024-2025 in view of developments in the war in Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East and the situation in the Red Sea.
Ahead of the Energy Council meeting, Minister Dalli also participated in the Friends of Renewables meeting hosted by Austria and Germany.
