Increasing energy efficiency and installing renewable energy sources

Energy has a substantial effect on competitiveness because of its indispensability as a resource in all industries. The price of energy will have an impact on the competitiveness of the country, on economic growth and also on job creation.

With a specific focus on energy, a new call has been launched for project proposals to be part-financed by the European Union under the European Regional Development Funds (ERDF) 2007-2013. With an indicative financial threshold of €5 million, this call falls under Priority Axis 4: ‘Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change’ of Operational Programme 1: ‘Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life’.

Priority Axis 4 aims to execute measures that are intended to mitigate the risks brought about by climate change and also measures intended to reduce aerial emissions ensuing from electricity generation which is one of the greatest sources of greenhouse emissions.

In light of the deliberations and recommendations contained in two main documents for the energy sector ‘Energy Policy for Malta’ and the ‘Strategy for Sustainable Development’, five main policy areas for intervention in the sector are being emphasised.

These are energy efficiency, reducing reliance on imported fuels, stability in energy supply, a sound distribution system and support of the energy sector in order to render it capable of delivering on its objectives. The intervention under this Priority Axis is primarily anticipated in relation to reducing emissions from power generation and distribution.

The provision of an eco-friendly, secure, reliable and competitively-priced supply of high-quality electricity is a service of general economic interest to all stakeholders in Malta. Under this Priority Axis, efforts will be assigned on enhancing ambient air quality through interventions to improve the eco-friendliness of the generation plant. Also eligible under Priority Axis 4 are studies to explore the viability of enhancing the current distribution system with a view to increase the growth potential of the network in view of potential future projects required to secure future supply of electricity.

The Operational Programme I will support national initiatives through a project which consists of the modification and application of best available technologies to the boilers at the existing Delimara Power Station with a view to improving air quality and bring it in line with the emission standards required (L.N. 329 of 2002, transposing Directive EC/80/2001).

The managing authority responsible for this operational programme is the Planning and Priorities Coordination Department Office (PPCD) of the Prime Minister. The call closes on December 2 at noon.

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