Alarm over SmartCity power requirements

The Ramblers' Association has expressed alarm over reports that energy requirements at SmartCity, when fully operational, will be double what was previously calculated.

"This huge leap in energy needs entails not only the construction of more substations but also a tremendous increase in emissions and in the national carbon footprint. Even with no SmartCity, Malta is far from reaching set targets. With Smart City Malta will almost inevitably be liable to legal procedures and fines of unprecedented and frightening consequence," the NGO said in a statement.

"We are informed that Article 5 of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive demands that the developer carries out an economic, environmental and technical study on the use of Combined Heat & Power (CHP), renewable energy, central heating and cooling etc. for such developments as Smart City. But Article 5 has not been transposed into Maltese legislation, with the result that Malta is facing serious infringement procedures," the Ramblers said.

The NGO asked why this regulation was not part of Maltese law . It also asked what the government was doing about the issue.

"National Interest is seriously at stake here. One would have expected Smart City to be smarter, not only in its respect for national heritage but especially in its calculations and its construction practices."

The Ramblers also referred to concerns by the Superintendence of Fortifications and the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage over possible destruction of historical relics at the Smart City site and said a government explanation was due in such cases too.