Renewable energy

The housing authority, under its adviser Dr V. Buhagiar, is to be congratulated in its investment in renewables for its housing units as reported in The Times on November 25. Shading by Louvres, blinds, solar water heating, Sun tubes, natural ventilation, photovoltaics, insulation, energy efficient lamps etc. can all make contributions in reducing emissions and saving fuel oil.

The implementation and adaptation of a solar energy momentum has slowed down to a snail's pace from the golden era of 1981-85 when the Austrians and Maltese established a fully equipped research centre at Marsaxlokk primarily for solar energy. At that time the University of Malta had little interest in any type of engineering, let alone solar energy research and consequently Enemalta (through the efforts of its chairman, Ing. L. Ciantar) took control of the centre but still could not place any visible funds for its further development. Later the university took it over with hardly any funds and little strategic interest in the complex. Although these facts contribute to missing opportunities there are rays of hope for the future.

In 1983 Cyprus had already invested in a local industry and could boast of having 90 per cent of its houses and 50 per cent of its hotels using solar energy water heaters thereby saving the country four per cent of the imported energy bill.

The benefits and obligations are not always understood and appreciated by the public until a full serious campaign of awareness is set in motion. The cleaner technology section, the department of Mechanical Engineering, the energy centre at Marsaxlokk and the Malta Institute of Technology are all possible entities which could initiate and sustain the drive. Under the Kyoto protocol Malta now as a member of the European Union has the obligation to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and adopt energy efficient measures. It is estimated that the local housing sector contributes to more than 32 per cent of the emissions. New constructions could reduce their contribution to emissions by 30 per cent while refurbishments by 20-30 per cent.

It was ironic and admirable to hear Peppi Azzopardi on a recent TV programme proclaim his inconclusive research on electric water heaters (On or Off at night?) when local institutions should provide the conclusive answers. Another instance was the pay back period of a commercial solar heater whereas the spokesman quoted three, four, five or six years. Validated information should be authenticated by local authorities (maybe the board of standards) so that the public will purchase the system fully aware of the investment return and with complete confidence.

All renewable systems and energy conservation schemes save energy and reduce emissions. Success to increase their widespread application requires a "fulcrum" for reference, a unit in the form of a responsible engineer and business manager entrusted with the drive and who believes that the investment has short and long term benefits.

All my past engineering students have been exposed to various degrees of "renewable applications", especially in solar water heating. Considering that they are in the forefront in appreciating the technology and its environmental impact I strongly believe that they have this obligation not only to continue to explore further these established applications but also recommend their adaptations in their area of influence.