I hoped that the visit of the European Commissioner for Energy would set the ball rolling for a serious debate on this sector locally. Instead, many still seem to think that the discussion is all about linking up with the European grid, fuel surcharges and, possibly, wind energy farms.

I beg to differ.

The point of departure is that we are one of just two European Union member states that are totally dependant on fossil fuel. Despite all that has been said over the past decade, the power station built in Delimara cannot cater for our energy requirements and we are still heavily dependant on the Marsa power station (by the way, the apparatus measuring emissions from both plants has gone bonkers and is yet to be substituted). Moreover, the plants are fast approaching saturation point and the government has decided to build a link to the European energy grid via Sicily. It is a positive but minuscule step because our country, which has the potential of leading in the sector of alternative energy, will still retain its dependence on traditional energy: fossil fuel but now also Russian gas and nuclear power stations on mainland Europe. Thus, our contribution towards alternative energy through this move is zilch!

The fuel surcharge is simply the effect of the problem. We have to tackle its roots by means of diversification. We do not need to wait for some grandiose wind farm project to do so. While this possibility is being studied, we can kick-start a number of initiatives that can be implemented in the short- to medium-term within our communities.

1. Household water storage

As a country, a considerable part of our energy bill goes for the desalination of seawater in the Reverse Osmosis plants. Rainwater is a scarce resource we are not doing enough to retain and use. The Knights of St John required households to have their own wells or water reservoirs. Throughout the years, this planning obligation has been "watered down". I think it is time to reactivate and extrapolate it to all households. It makes much more sense to have water reservoirs than loads of underground car parks. It would have a direct beneficial effect on the households' and country's energy bill, and would help curb emissions.

2. Household solar energy system

Spanish legislation requires that all new infrastructures are equipped with solar energy systems. This requirement can be introduced in our planning rules because it is simply incomprehensible how such installations are not yet automatic choices for our households. Furthermore, the state should give a more substantial subsidy for those taking this step because it would again result in a reduction in the energy bill and in emissions.

3. Attractive energy buy-back rates

Given that Malta does not have the necessary surface area for a full-scale solar energy farm, we have to look for alternatives. One characteristic of our buildings is their flat roofs. If adequately utilised with the installation of solar photovoltaic cells, these rooftops can provide an alterative, decentralised, clean energy-producing network. Offering attractive buy-back rates for the excess energy produced by these units would incentivise households and businesses to produce their own energy and sell the excess produced. Thus, the individual would be helping the community lower its costs and protect the environment.

4. Insulation

Another planning practice that should be encouraged is that of insulation. Tax on insulation materials needs to be reviewed, while practices, such as the use of double outside walls, can be revisited. The benefits of techniques that reduce the need to use air-conditioning systems in increasingly extreme temperatures stare at us in the face.

5. Energy savers

The Cypriot government distributes six energy-saving bulbs per household annually. It does this to encourage the transition from incandescent bulbs (80 per cent of the energy consumed by these bulbs fizzles away in heat, with only 20 per cent resulting into light) to energy savers while the debate rages on in Europe on the need to ban the former. Is a similar step, implemented by a fellow microstate, out of our reach?

These five initiatives are relatively low cost and can start our quest to hammer out a serious contribution in favour of energy efficiency, alternative energy and a better environment.

It can be done.

Mr Muscat is a Labour member of the European Parliament and vice president of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee.

www.josephmuscat.com