Prime Minister Robert Abela announces that the policy framework regarding the use of photovoltaic panels in industrial areas has been finalized

Prime Minister Robert Abela announces that the policy framework regarding the use of photovoltaic panels in industrial areas has been finalized

• During a consultative dialogue before the 2027 Budget with the MDA, Dr Abela also announced that INDIS has already identified a number of suitable sites.

Prime Minister Robert Abela continued the pre-Budget 2027 consultation process through a meeting with representatives of the development and construction sector, where their priorities, challenges and proposals were discussed.

During this meeting, Prime Minister Abela reiterated that from the first days of this legislature, this Government has launched an open dialogue around the reform of the planning appeals procedure. He said that this is a reform intended to give real strength to the appeal process, through the introduction of an automatic suspension of any work related to a development permit that is under appeal before the Tribunal or Court. Along with this suspension, Dr Abela noted that the Government is proposing clear timeframes as well as a digital mechanism that will facilitate and strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of the process. “Following a public consultation by the Ministry concerned, we are now in the phase of consolidating the final version before publication and the parliamentary process,” said the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister announced that following an extensive process of consultation with stakeholders, the policy framework regarding the installation and use of photovoltaic panels in industrial areas has now been finalised and received Cabinet approval earlier this month. In parallel, INDIS has already identified a number of suitable sites to initiate this process, and is preparing to issue a call for expressions of interest at the same time as the formal launch of this policy.

He continued to say that work is currently underway to finalize the necessary legal and operational documents, so that the process can begin immediately upon the launch of the initiative.

The Prime Minister stressed that while the path should be facilitated for those who have the right and wish to invest in building and construction, third parties should also be protected. He mentioned that another important measure was taken in the first hundred days with the introduction of a fund for damages suffered by third parties. Through it, the bank guarantee was replaced by a new mechanism where the Government assumes responsibility for recovering damages.

He continued by saying that this builds on other measures that have already come into force and are aimed at providing greater protection to the public, including Helpline 138 and the free service of architects and lawyers. Helpline 138 is being used by the public to report abuses or concerns related to buildings and construction sites, and is being an important tool to continue assisting those affected by these situations.

Dr Abela noted that around us there are several economies that are on their knees and are suffering, “while Malta is experiencing a strong economy, with investment that is still ongoing at a strong pace and this sector that you represent is contributing to this.”

The Prime Minister concluded by referring to the guarantee given by the Minister of Finance in the energy sector, namely that subsidies will continue to be provided. He said that this will continue to offer the peace of mind and stability that the economy needs.

Accompanying the Prime Minister for this meeting were Ministers Owen Bonnici, Silvio Schembri, Miriam Dalli, Clyde Caruana, Jonathan Attard, Jo Etienne Abela and the Head of the Secretariat of the Office of the Prime Minister, Mark Mallia.