Saturday, 8th November 2008 - 11:37CET
Action plan to focus attention on energy efficiency
A national energy efficiency action plan, launched with the budget speech earlier this week, is aimed at reducing energy emissions in Malta by 9% by 2016, in line with EU targets.
Resources Minister George Pullicino, who spoke about the plan this morning, said its main purpose is to change behaviour patterns. It would be futile to invest in alternative sources, if energy was wasted.
Mr Pullicino said one could detect greater public awareness towards the use of more efficient electrical appliances, and the government wanted to push this process forward. The incentives for the purchase of energy efficient white goods had been successful, and the government would now be directing its attention towards incentives in other areas where the people had not yet opted for such efficient equipment.
The government, he said, was trying to lead by example. His own ministry had achieved considerable savings when it replaced old neon tubes. Savings of up to 30 percent had been made at power-thirsty reverse osmosis plants through the installation of more efficient equipment.
He said that the Malta Transport Authority (ADT) and Enemalta had set up a committee to consider eliminating street lighting where it was not needed, an example being country roads with little traffic, where cat’s eyes would suffice.
Furthermore, in March, Enemalta would launch an exercise to introduce ‘smart’ electricity meters.
As announced in the budget, Enemalta experts would also offer to hold energy audits for households, checking their appliances and also advising them on passive energy saving measures, such as the proper use of windows.
Measures proposed in the action plan, some of which have already been adopted, include rebates on energy efficient domestic appliances, promotion of solar water heaters, subsidies for the insulation of buildings and the promotion of energy saving lamps, information campaign to promote energy efficiency, modernisation of agricultural holdings, promotion and assistance for energy efficiency in industry, advisory services on energy efficiency, including energy efficient driving, promotion of electric vehicles, teleworking, better product levels and intelligent metering.
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Comments
rubbish .! taxing free energy's the problem, hence the hassle for permits . Our goverment realy likes and wants our money.but can't come up with a plausible plan to tax home grown free energy come on ,we put up with so much crap in this country,what with sun blocking highrise buildings,extravgant goverment cars and overseas travel (first class for the big wigs ) in your face development . and tut ,tut we have to be told how to conserve our energy .Oh as if I leave all my lights on just for fun ! ,when i see a turbiine turning in the wind I feel proud for its owner ,a thumb to the nose for those who think belching smoke is no problem ,to the tax man who is puzzled with the idea of free energy .
wind energy has powered nations economy's . helped our for fathers cross oceans and now you need a permit to harness it . I know its not completely free but it's a damn sight better than sponsering a new volvo , bmw or firsclass seat for the select few .
I read your letter but you miss the point completely. Can you please explain to how to economise on energy efficiency when without even switching the main on I have had an increase from 55.9 to 420 Euros without putting one atom (better still 3 one of carbon and 2 of oxygen) into the air. Can you please instruct me what to do with the main switch.
Norman
I'm not questioning the validity of those values but if they are true switching from an electric geyser to a solar powered one than the electricity increase would be practically null.
That's why people need such expenses imposed on them to start using renewable sources of energy.
I am not sure if such PV cells give enough energy for a whole day's cycle. If yes, an additional saving can be done by doing away with cabling the entire installation (copper is another commodity whose price has going up).
On certain roads, cats' eyes and reflective signage goes a long way to reducing the need for overhead electricity IF THESE ARE WELL MAINTAINED.
You do not know what you're saying!!!!
Yes you are correct you are still young. To own a video recorder in those days would be a criminal offence. For a cordless phone you would have been jailed. And now you compare these days with the Mintoff years.......
aldo.
Household Before elections NOW Difference
2-person €563 (Lm242) €919 (Lm359) €356 (Lm153)
3-person €598 (Lm257) €978 (Lm420) €379 (Lm162)
4-person €688 (Lm295) €1119 (Lm480) €431 (Lm185)
But what is ironic is the fact Government / EU are portraying themselves towards an "energy efficient" plan, and AT THE SAME TIME DON'T EVEN CONSIDER THE GREAT ENERGY NEEDED TO PRODUCE A NEW CAR, ... to mention just an example of their many contradictions.
May I suggest that the power consumption of all government’s office and other building will be derived, as much as possible, from alternate power systems. This should also apply to all open air public places, telephone kiosks and street lighting. So that the government will be leadind by example!
Less frequented roads might not require the same luminosity as major thoroughfare but on the other hand a total blackout will be irresponsible since this could lead to accidents especially during the winter. It would be much better to exploit solar energy panels to light such roads!
Then there is a wireless small console which gives you detailed information on how much electricity you are utilizing and also the costs. This will help you achieve a better way in utilizing your appliances and other elec eaters.
Of course it was much better under Mintoff. Who could argue with you when one put the switch on and there was no electricity at the other end; or when someone turned the tap on and all that caome out was some dusty residual.
Is it possible that one of Malta's news papers, including the Times of Malta, investigate and inform the people what these archeological sites really are?
It was much better in Mintoff's days
Also will the consumer be expected to pay for any eventual meter replacement ?
Finally it should be noted that we already have one of the digital meters fitted - will this relatively recent unit therfore simply be discarded ?
In general it seems to me that too many wrong decisions are being made and all at the cost of our taxes .. just an idea but perhaps it is time Government started to psychologically assess individuals prior to appointing them to certain decision-making positions so as to ensure they have the necessary foresight..
There's absolutely no point in having permamently closed windows at Mater Dei. Why should it depend solely on air conditioning? Visitors and staff will still carry bacteria with them when they go inside the hospital.
Also, the extremely tall outdoor lamps of the hospital can be turned to solar as the sun reaches them all day.
I also wish that in our streets we start having solar lamps but the tall buildings may pose a problem by hiding the sun.