Gozo ministry harnesses solar energy

Fifty photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on the Gozo Administration Centre's rooftop have generated more than 13000kWh of electricity in the space of nine months, equivalent to the amount consumed by about 10 persons living in average households.

The PV system, installed last December by the Ministry for Gozo, is the largest renewable energy system in Malta. It is expected to generate at least five per cent of the energy consumed annually by the Gozo Administration Centre which houses the Ministry for Gozo and the majority of government offices on the island. The system is expected to reach an annual output of 17000kWh.

Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo, said that her Ministry for Gozo has invested Lm25,000 (€58,234) in this initiative as part of its Green Programme to improve its practices in favour of the environment Mrs Debono referred to other Ministry projects currently underway that will contribute to the preservation and improvement of the environment on and around Gozo.

Projects include the EU co-funded Waste Water Treatment Plant and the Dwejra rehabilitation projects, as well as the nationally funded Sewage Master Plan project. The government is also investing in the rehabilitation of the Qortin landfill while a civic amenity site and a waste transfer station are also in the pipeline.