The 2008 Environment Report (12)

Key policy question: Is Malta's economy becoming more energy-efficient?

Energy intensity is a measure of the energy Malta uses to create a unit of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It is the ratio between total energy produced and GDP.5 For Malta, net fossil fuel import values6 may be used as an estimate of total energy produced. Energy intensity decreased slightly from 0.22 kilograms of oil equivalent per unit GDP (kgoe/€) in 2007 to 0.21kgoe/€ in 2008. The overall trend since 2000 has been for the energy intensity of the economy to decrease slightly. Should this trend continue it may point towards a shift towards a relative decoupling of energy consumption from economic activity.

Policy responses: Mepa policy responses in this area include the compilation of the Greenhouse Gas Inventory and a Report on Malta's Policies and Measures to combat climate change. The Environment Report seeks to increase awareness and understanding of key environmental issues and trends, to provide a sound evidence base for policy and decision-making, and to facilitate the measurement of environmental performance and progress towards sustainability. For more information visit www.mepa.org.mt/ter

References:

5 EEA (European Environment Agency) 2005. The European Environment: State and outlook 2005, Copenhagen. (http://www.eea.europe.eu/ publications/state of environment report 2005 1, accessed on 5th November 2009).

6 Almost all energy is generated from imported fossil fuels, whether this is in power plants, motor vehicle engines, or other combustion processes. Amounts used refer to gross inland fuel consumption (net of aviation and bunkering).