A strategic plan that establishes how in the coming years Malta and Gozo will move towards clean energy
Prime Minister Robert Abela together with Minister for the Environment and Energy Miriam Dalli presented our country’s plan for the energy sector — a long-term plan that will lead to maximising the potential of the energy sector, thus making it a pillar of new prosperity for our country. Dr Abela pointed out that the energy sector was the basis from which the Government’s successful project took off back in 2013.
“That day we made the first switch from the most polluting oil, heavy fuel oil, to gas and we began implementing the first interconnector project. We also launched strong schemes in favour of greater use of renewables. Changes that have strengthened our economy while greatly improving the quality of the air and the lives of our families. Now the time has come, precisely now that we have launched the Malta 2050 Vision, to make the leap to the next level. A more diversified and cleaner sector than it is to ensure efficiency and security,” said the Prime Minister.
Robert Abela reiterated that Malta should be increasingly free and less dependent in the way it generates energy. He said that alternative energy is therefore an opportunity, while stressing that the way we are looking at the Offshore Project to generate wind energy in our country’s Exclusive Economic Zone is a step towards strengthening the use of renewable energy. Dr Abela also said that the Government will continue to provide strong incentives for more people to invest in the use of renewables. He made reference to the panel scheme for those who do not have a roof, a scheme that will give 500 families an opportunity to invest in renewables.
This measure, said the Prime Minister, testifies to the Government’s commitment to our country continuing to decarbonise its economy. He also announced that one of the Government’s goals for the island of Gozo is to be the first part of our country to become carbon-neutral. “We believe so much in the potential of Gozo that we will invest in a submarine cable that will serve as an interconnector between the two islands,” said Dr Abela. He concluded by saying that this vision for energy is another seed in the new prosperity that the Government wants to create for Malta and Gozo.
Minister Miriam Dalli explained the plan in detail, and said that the relevance of the energy sector has continued to increase despite everything that is going on around us. “This is a plan that will lead Malta to achieve the goal of a carbon-free economy and continue to offer stability in energy prices. A plan that protects citizens. Where it ensures that this transition is not made with burdens, neither on families nor on businesses.” She described this plan as a living one, much of which is already being implemented. “A plan, which although solid, recognizes what is going on around us and therefore also a flexible plan,” said Minister Dalli.
She went on to explain that this document is a transformation plan that positions Malta to meet the challenges of the future without losing the achievements we have made in the last ten years. The Plan lists several projects and initiatives that are currently underway, as well as those planned for the coming months and years. Among them is the third interconnector (IC3) with Sicily (IC3), which will operate on a different connection point and voltage than the first two, thus offering diversification in the source of transmission.
Other projects include the second interconnector (IC2), which is currently being implemented, more battery storage systems (BESS), smart meters, schemes such as Roofless Panels, and the REWS digital portal. Our country’s Vision for the energy sector is aligned with the Malta 2050 Vision and the European objectives of the Green Deal, Fit-for-55 and REPowerEU.
The public consultation document can be accessed here: https://www.gov.mt/en/publicconsultation/Pages/2026/NL-0021-2026.aspx .
Photos: OPM
