A call, known as a Pre-Market Consultation, has been issued with the aim of starting to explore the possibility and viability of renewable energy production projects in North Africa, and the possibility of using this energy as part of Malta’s energy supply mix.
This was announced by the Minister for the Environment and Energy, Miriam Dalli, while speaking at the conference titled “Reaffirming Business Commitment to the Green Transition,” organised by the Climate Action Authority.
Minister Dalli stressed that, in the current international climate, it is becoming increasingly clear how crucial it was for the Government to remain focused with a clear plan in the energy sector. She reiterated that the Government would continue to provide the necessary price stability, while also continuing to explore projects that can further prepare Malta for the future, as outlined in Malta Vision 2050.
In this context, Minister Dalli explained the various ongoing energy projects and announced the Pre-Market Consultation which has been published by Interconnect Malta. Through this, the potential for renewable energy from North Africa to reach homes in Malta will be explored. She said that the consultation aims to gather technical information, including indicative costs, and that economic operators will be invited to propose their projects.
“At this stage, the country will be exploring the possibilities that exist. We are evaluating feasibility and exploring options so that decisions can later be taken based on evidence,” said Minister Dalli, adding that the call will consider various factors, including proposals that offer a balanced mix of resources from both solar and wind energy.
Minister Dalli also explained that work on the second interconnector is progressing well, and that the process for the offshore wind electricity generation project outside Malta’s territorial waters is ongoing. She noted that these projects reflect a clear vision, with some expected to start operating in the coming months, while others are being prepared for future implementation.
She emphasised that the Maltese Government’s ambitions for innovation should also send a signal to the investment and business community that the stability being offered by the Government should act as a strong impetus for environmental transition. Sustainability and the green transition, she said, must remain central to decision-making. She added that those who embrace change will benefit the most, gaining competitive and quality advantages – something already demonstrated by several Maltese companies. She also noted that the conference organised by the Climate Action Authority was timely.
Chief Executive Officer Ing. Ismail D’Amato of Interconnect Malta stated, “Interconnect Malta is officially inviting market participants to engage in this Preliminary Market Consultation to facilitate the importation of 0.8 TWh of renewable energy annually, covering approximately 25% of Malta’s 2025 electricity demand. The objective of this initiative is to explore the feasibility of a ‘baseload’ supply of renewable energy that reduces the intermittency of traditional renewables, while utilizing a 25-year fixed-price Contract for Difference framework aimed to provide long-term price stability and protection for Maltese families and businesses against the volatility of global fossil fuel markets.”
The commitment to the green transition was also reflected in the strong participation at the conference, which brought together CEOs, senior company officials, investors, academics, and representatives of the European Commission.
Ing. Abigail Cutajar, CEO of the Climate Action Authority, emphasised that the authority’s role goes beyond that of a regulator. “We are here to promote change. We are here to assist and guide, because the transition is something we must achieve together. While I fully understand the current challenges, climate change has not stopped to wait for us to resolve these conflicts, and its major effects will still be felt. That is why we are here to reaffirm our commitment to making this change together,” she said, listing a substantial number of initiatives currently being undertaken by the Climate Action Authority to make a concrete difference.
Photo (DOI/MEEC)
