How much power do we harvest from the hot sunny skies of Malta? Very little, and as a relative newcomer to this lovely island, I can’t see any obvious government lead in building plants like they have in Germany, where they harvest the equivalent of many nuclear power plants on full power.

If the new Labour Government in Malta keeps its promise of a 25 per cent reduction in domestic electricity bills, it could run with this idea and do a lot more and achieve more for Malta’s people.

My idea is to create a solar farm community-based project and hold a referendum to approve a special levy on all income earners. If agreed, this levy will finance the project as an investment fund with a fixed return date with interest, and an application will also be made to the European Union for additional funds.

The sun harvesting facility will be constructed with mirrors that direct sunlight to a tower that superheats water to steam that drives electric turbines. The power produced will allow Malta to stop importing dirty expensive oil or LPG gas and turn its energy source from black to green.

This project would mean that consumers and industry would have ‘at cost’ energy bills, more money would be able to be invested in the growth of the country’s industries, money would be saved and lifestyles improved, and the government would be truly looking after its citizens, instead of spending valuable Maltese income on expensive oil.

In addition to very cheap electricity the other direct benefit would be the opportunity for zero emissions transport for all, as the take-up of ‘EVs’ (electric vehicles) would allow very cheap transport for Malta’s citizens, and for public transport too.

The decrease in the cost of desalination plants would dramatically reduce power costs and produce cheaper water; there would be more savings for Malta’s people.

I truly hope that this project gets off the ground and private interests take second place to the inherent needs of the people and this beautiful island.