The Government yesterday launched three schemes to help households invest in solar energy and reduce their electricity consumption.
They will help Malta climb from the last position in EU rankings for use of renewable energy and reach its 2020 target of 20 per cent, according to Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi.
Addressing a press conference at the Upper Barrakka Gardens, Dr Mizzi said that, through these three schemes, the Government was delivering on three of its electoral promises.
Under the first scheme, about 8,400 families can apply for a rebate of 50 per cent on the purchase of PV panels, covering up to €2,500 of the price. A total of €21 million in EU funds have been poured into this scheme.
Families are also guaranteed a feed-in tariff of 22c per unit for the first six years and will subsequently receive the normal unit production cost.
The second scheme offers a €400 rebate – or 40 per cent of the capital cost – on the installation of solar water heaters.
Mr Mizzi said €600,000 in national funds was earmarked for this scheme.
The third scheme offers a rebate for families to invest in roof insulation and double glazing. Families can benefit from a 15.25 per cent rebate, up to a maximum of €1,000.
The schemes, which will be administered by the Malta Resources Authority, will open on May 13 and will remain open until the end of the year, unless the funds are utilised before. The EU funds have to be utilised by the end of the year as otherwise they risked being lost, he said.
Parliamentary Secretary for EU funds Ian Borg said that, according to last week’s Eurostat figures, Malta is in last place for renewable energy in the EU and a lot more had to be done to reach the 20 per cent target.
He said other EU countries had reached 30 and 40 per cent but Malta still lagged behind at just 10 per cent.
Asked by Times of Malta about the Government’s plans on solar farms to accommodate those families who wished to invest in solar energy but did not have the space for it, as well as about the plans on wind energy, Mr Mizzi said these matters were in hand.
“We are working on a strategy on renewable energy which is expected to be ready by the end of summer. This will include an action plan on solar and wind farms. By then, all decisions in this regard would have passed through the Cabinet and announced,” he said.