Energy consumption remained stable in 2012 when compared to the previous year, according to EU-wide figures.

Malta had the highest dependency on oil in the EU, producing 100 per cent of its energy needs through the burning of imported fuel.

But its consumption in 2012 remained at about 900,000 tons of oil, needed to fire the two power stations. However, the figure was about 100,000 tons lower than in 2010, which saw the highest ever energy consumption rate in Malta so far.

Although not yet included in these statistics, Malta has made significant progress in the past years with the installation of PV panels in many residences and businesses.

This should gradually bring down consumption, even though not yet at significant levels.

According to EU rules, Malta has to start producing 10 per cent of all its energy needs from renewable energy by the end of this decade.

However, it is not yet known whether this target will be met as no clear decision has so far been taken on the installation of wind farms, which will significantly boost Malta’s renewable energy production.

On an EU level, the five main energy producers in the bloc in 2012 were France, Germany, the UK, Poland and the Netherlands which together accounted for 64 per cent of total energy production in the EU.

The only net exporter of energy in 2012 was Denmark while other member states least dependent on energy imports were Estonia, Romania and the Czech Republic.

Malta’s 100 per cent dependency was followed by Luxembourg and Cyprus, both at 97 per cent.