Mepa issues consultation document on small wind turbines

Mepa has published proposed guidelines for those wishing to install Micro Wind Turbines with a generating capacity of up to 20kW.

The aim of the document is to provide prospective applicants with guidance on the potentially acceptable locations, size, efficiency and feasibility aspects of micro wind turbines. It also serves as additional guidance to MEPA in determining development applications.

The document positively considers micro wind turbines in industrial areas or large buildings situated in ODZ areas (such as hospitals, schools and other infrastructural facilities) but adopts a precautionary approach in urban areas due to lack of information on potential impacts such as visual, noise and vibrations.

The Authority will encourage the carrying out of studies, through pilot projects that assess the potential impacts particularly visual, noise and vibrations of this infrastructure on residential buildings and townscapes. The results of these pilot projects are envisaged to be a determining factor in any possible wider dissemination of micro wind technology in urban areas.

The document discourages tower mounted turbines from being assembled within the grounds of historic buildings as in most cases, this area is as valuable as the built structure itself and contribute towards their conservation value.

Larger wind turbines shall be assessed within Government's Proposal for an Energy Policy of 2009, other supporting documents published by the Malta Resources Authority (MRA), and all relevant studies necessary to inform decisions on any future applications for such development. They are therefore considered outside the scope of this Guidance.

More information is available from www.mepa.org.mt. Comments may be submitted on microwind@mepa.org.mt by September 11.