A national energy efficiency action plan, launched with the budget speech earlier this week, is aimed at reducing energy emissions in Malta by 9% by 2016, in line with EU targets.

Resources Minister George Pullicino, who spoke about the plan this morning, said its main purpose is to change behaviour patterns. It would be futile to invest in alternative sources, if energy was wasted.

Mr Pullicino said one could detect greater public awareness towards the use of more efficient electrical appliances, and the government wanted to push this process forward. The incentives for the purchase of energy efficient white goods had been successful, and the government would now be directing its attention towards incentives in other areas where the people had not yet opted for such efficient equipment.

The government, he said, was trying to lead by example. His own ministry had achieved considerable savings when it replaced old neon tubes. Savings of up to 30 percent had been made at power-thirsty reverse osmosis plants through the installation of more efficient equipment.

He said that the Malta Transport Authority (ADT) and Enemalta had set up a committee to consider eliminating street lighting where it was not needed, an example being country roads with little traffic, where cat’s eyes would suffice.

Furthermore, in March, Enemalta would launch an exercise to introduce ‘smart’ electricity meters.

As announced in the budget, Enemalta experts would also offer to hold energy audits for households, checking their appliances and also advising them on passive energy saving measures, such as the proper use of windows.

Measures proposed in the action plan, some of which have already been adopted, include rebates on energy efficient domestic appliances, promotion of solar water heaters, subsidies for the insulation of buildings and the promotion of energy saving lamps, information campaign to promote energy efficiency, modernisation of agricultural holdings, promotion and assistance for energy efficiency in industry, advisory services on energy efficiency, including energy efficient driving, promotion of electric vehicles, teleworking, better product levels and intelligent metering.