Applying sustainable energy technologies in Malta

A one-day seminar focusing on existing and possible future sustainable energy technologies and how they apply to Malta is being held on March 16 from 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Malta Council for Science and Technology, Villa Bighi, Kalkara. It is being organised by the University's Institute for Sustainable Energy (ISE) under the joint patronage of the University and the MCST.

Sustainable energy is finally gaining momentum in Malta and the technology is constantly evolving. The seminar will consist of presentations by leading experts on various aspects of renewable energy and energy efficiency, including their technology status and potential in Malta. These will be followed in the afternoon by workshops involving all participants on what more can and should be done in Malta.

During the seminar, Godwin Sant from the Malta Resources Authority will speak on 'The Maltese Energy Landscape'; Mario Fsadni will deliver a presentation on 'Energy efficiency'; while Manfred Weissenbacher will tackle two topics, namely 'Energy in transport' and 'Biofuels and biomass'.

'Electrical energy, its efficient use and the grid integration of renewable energy systems' is the topic of a presentation by Cyril Spiteri Staines from the University's Department of Industrial Electrical Power Conversion.

There will also be a series of joint presentations by academics from the institute. Luciano Mulé Stagno and Charles Yousif will tackle the topic 'Photovoltaics, new technologies and developments'; Robert Farrugia and Mr Yousif, will explore 'New concepts for water heating'; Mr Yousif and Dr Fsadni will deal with 'Combined heat and power, and heat pump technologies'; and Tonio Sant and Mr Farrugia will address the topic 'Wind energy: challenges and opportunities'.

Resources Minister George Pullicino will deliver the closing address.

The seminar seeks to attract key policymakers, academics, industrial players, government officials, members from various NGOs, teachers and students, among others. After the conference, all the presentations, discussions and recommendations will be summarised and published in a report.

The institute believes that in the long term, and with the right choice of technologies, Malta could go well beyond its goal of obtaining 10 per cent of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2020.

One of the institute's main aims is to assist in the development of national energy plans through studies in the use of new and renewable energy sources and methods of energy conservation. It also seeks to organise and participate in teaching programmes and research projects in the field of energy technology.

Other objectives include the dissemination of appropriate methods and techniques relevant to the institute's areas of interest and to design equipment adapted to local conditions. This is carried out mainly by conducting studies to analyse the use of energy, determining feasible measures to conserve energy, applications of renewable sources of energy, originating and participating in teaching and research projects, and collaborating with other universities, industries and international bodies.

For more information call 2165 0675/2165 2249, visit the institute website www.um.edu.mt/ise or e-mail ise@um.edu.mt.