Editorial

Perhaps one of the key benefits of Malta's accession to the European Union is the way it is being pulled into the 21st century on environmental matters, an area which the government itself has targeted as one of its top priorities. The introduction of EU targets for renewable energy as part of the battle against global warming and the threat of climate change is the latest example of this.

In less than 12 years, Malta will have to produce 10 per cent of all its energy needs from renewable energy sources, compared to less than one per cent today. In addition, 10 per cent of all our fuel for transport will have to come from bio-fuels.

The discipline which has been imposed on Malta is to be welcomed. Indeed, one can only hope that such discipline can be exercised in other areas too.

The targets set by the EU are ambitious but - given the necessary political will and, of course, cooperation by one and all - should be attainable. The advantages which Malta will derive from achieving them are considerable. At a time of spiralling fossil fuel costs, the long-term economic gains from utilising natural, renewable resources are not to be gainsaid. Moreover, the quality of life and environmental improvements through reductions in fossil fuel pollution are significant.

Energy to drive the country's power stations, industry and transport and to run the desalination plants and every aspect and comfort of life has become extremely expensive. These costs will accelerate as demand for fossil fuels grows and available resources diminish. Malta's power plants are inefficient and it is becoming increasingly difficult to cope with forecast rising demand. It is possible, perhaps even probable, that within two years the country will have no reserve generating capacity. Although the government is in the process of introducing new plant and, possibly, a cable link to Sicily, the lead times for any project of this nature are long and will cost several million euros. The economic and social consequences of a failure to replace the energy supply sources currently in place in a timely manner will be significant - indeed, potentially catastrophic. Hence, the need for resolute action.

Malta must switch to a low carbon economy. It will have to do this by achieving energy security through the acquisition of non-polluting generating plant and greater efficiency, conservation and diversification of energy sources and supplies.

The obvious renewable energy sources in Malta are wind and solar. To date, there is little evidence of government commitment to either of these, as the pathetic negligible figure of energy levels deriving from renewables attests. Yet, both wind and sun are in plentiful supply. The trick is in harnessing them sensibly to the country's own use. While the investment needed for offshore wind farms may prove prohibitive and the aesthetic impact on limited open spaces may rule them out onshore, the potential for use of photo-voltaic panels on flat roofs and vertical wall surfaces must surely offer huge scope.

Renewable energy will require a readiness by the government, in partnership with private enterprise, to invest substantially in new technologies. It will also require the political will and leadership to encourage people to alter their lifestyles and it demands understanding and cooperation by the public. The government must apply both the carrot and the stick, through financial concessions to encourage investment in renewables, as well as a continuing price squeeze on high-energy use by consumers.

The EU targets for the use of renewable energy sources and bio-fuels present both a challenge and an opportunity to make necessary changes to people's way of life. They should bring considerable long-term benefits. They present challenges and opportunities that must be seized because reliable energy supply is one of the essential strategic factors affecting this country's future development as an advanced, modern society.