Alternative energy is a priority

The general consensus is that the best alternative energy solution for Malta is wind turbines.

Two aspects urge us to consider alternative clean energy: EU requirements to reduce our carbon footprint (in which we are still lagging far behind), as well as the necessity not to rely entirely on fossil fuels. We really cannot afford to remain reliant on such a volatile market where speculation and price fluctuations reign supreme.

The Prime Minister has said that the offshore option is not viable and that we probably have to find a solution on land. With today's technology it is possible to have much less visual impact than most imagine.

Six-megawatt wind turbines are already in production and they generate enough energy for about 4,000 homes. This means that if enough resources are invested in this venture, 40 such turbines would generate around 240 megawatts, which is enough energy to power the 141,000 households in Malta and Gozo.

Latest generation turbines of this size and output are even quieter and more efficient through variable blade pitch control to optimise operation, and are practically maintenance free.

Currently, Enemalta claims to have a maximum output capacity of 571 megawatts and is looking to increase its output by a further 100 megawatts by the time the expansion project is completed. The cost being mentioned for this project is €170 million.

Internet research shows that these turbines would cost around €4 million each, including installation. So it's the same money spent, but with the added advantages of not having to rely on fossil fuels, generating clean energy and producing more than double the output. Am I too optimistic?

There are two main issues here: where to install them and who will finance them? The installation issue will definitely create heated discussion.

A six-megawatt turbine would have a 125-metre tower and 112-metre diameter rotors, so it is a huge structure, at the base. However, it would require an area of around 1,000 square metres per tower.

But the surrounding land, be it industrial, agricultural or recreational, can still be used. We can identify the areas where these turbines can be built to provide the least possible visual, noise and logistical impact.

Such projects would most certainly attract private investment and initiate a process whereby the government can take a step back when it comes to financing large-scale capital projects, which ultimately we really cannot afford.

Investing in wind energy would help reduce our carbon footprint and bring Malta to the forefront as the highest producer of clean alternative energy per capita within the European Union.