No idea of Dalli’s $1 billion energy project – minister

The government has no idea of the $1-billion energy project that EU Commissioner John Dalli said had been proposed to the government, Finance Minister Tonio Fenech told Parliament in reply to a supplementary question by Opposition Whip Joe Mizzi.

Mr Mizzi had asked for more information on the proposed investment for photovoltaic panels to supply all Malta’s energy requirements at a reduced price, and if the government had been ready to subsidise the project. What had been proposed, and why had it been refused?

Mr Fenech said the government weekly received proposals offering various solutions. Each proposal was analysed by the Malta Resources Authority and, if it was to be involved, Enemalta Corporation. If the project was deemed viable a call for expressions of interest was issued for transparency.

He did not know which project Mr Dalli had spoken about because he had not specifically mentioned any company. Maybe it was one of those projects for which no technical documentation had been presented to substantiate the proposal.

Mr Mizzi asked if Mr Fenech could commit to an early governmental reaction on the status quo.

The minister cautioned that several bodies came forward with initial proposals, but when the government showed interest they piled on new conditions, including the government buying all their production for the next number of years.

There were still a number of open projects because no documentation had yet been received thereon.

Pushed by Mr Mizzi, Mr Fenech said he would have no problem getting in touch with Mr Dalli and relaying any resultant information to the people.