Yesterday morning. I inaugurated the LED system at the University of Malta’s Students’ House. Thanks to this system, this building will reduce its electrical consumption by about 40 to 60 per cent. It is always satisfying to see such investment in clean energy. The number of photovoltaic panels on the roofs of homes is constantly on the rise.
In fact, during the last incentive scheme for the installation of photovoltaic panels, over 1,000 families came forward, investing a total of €6 million. It is therefore a pity that, as a result of industrial action by the General Workers’ Union, Enemalta workers are refusing to install the meters that measure the amount of energy being deposited into the national electricity grid by such panels. As a result of the GWU’s stubbornness, these families are being denied the financial benefits they are due, which already amounts to €500,000 in feed-in tariffs.
Moreover, these families are collectively entitled to a €3 million financial assistance on their €6 million capital outlay. The GWU’s stubbornness means this financial assistance cannot be provided once the meters have not yet been installed. Many families have written to me asking what can be done. One person told me: “It is not fair on us who have invested our money and are shamelessly made to suffer due to the actions of others.” I agree completely with such sentiments and today publicly appealed to the GWU to allow its members to install these meters.
Last January, I was invited by the GWU to address a conference on green jobs. Both GWU president Victor Carachi and secretary general Tony Zarb spoke of the importance of environmental protection. Yet, action speaks louder than words. The GWU must look beyond the tip of its nose and ensure this situation is resolved immediately for the sake of these families who have invested as well as the environment – March 25.
Nuclear energy: some facts
In light of the disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan, it is worth reflecting on a number of points I came across recently in a Wall Street Journal article.
Twenty per cent of the world’s nuclear power plants are in earthquake-prone areas. Fourteen of them are in highly seismic sensitive areas. Furthermore, the earthquake that damaged the Fukushima Daiichi plant was 10 times stronger than what the plant was designed to withstand. Moreover, Japan’s largest nuclear plant in Kashiwazaki was also hit by an earthquake in 2007 that was stronger than that it was designed for.
I don’t mean to be alarmist, yet we do need to consider such facts when discussing nuclear energy. Some observers portray the events in Fukushima as a one-off, suggesting little need for concern over the recurrence of similar disasters.
While addressing the Council of Ministers for Energy, convened with urgency today in Brussels, I stated that although we recognise the fact that the EU has some of the highest standards in the industry, we cannot rest on our laurels. Japan also had extremely high standards. Yet, radiation knows no boundaries. We therefore support the position taken by EU Commissioner for Energy, Gunther Oettinger, who called for the drafting of stress test criteria for nuclear plants in EU member states, and in neighbouring countries, should they agree.
When discussing energy subsidies, we tend to focus on renewable energy, such as sun and wind, paying less attention to subsidies for the nuclear energy industry. It is worth noting that, over the past 50 years, this industry has benefited from a number of preferential subsidies from several governments. Studies have noted that such subsidies have also been higher than the value of energy these plants provided. I don’t say this to condemn nuclear energy but to serve as a reminder of all the facts during the current debates – March 21.
One hundred and fifty
The 150th anniversary of Italy’s unification is being celebrated. In fact, it was the publication of a law on March 17, 1861 that recognised and established the kingdom of Italy, which was then a monarchy led by King Vittorio Emanuele II. It is worth recalling, that during this period, a number of leaders of the Risorgimento, including Francesco Crispi, who went on to become Prime Minister, sought protection in Malta. Over the past 150 years, Italian culture has continued to influence our country.
Since its unification, Italy has continuously developed and progressed. It faced dark periods during its history, particularly its alliance with Nazi Germany during World War II. However, Italy got back on its feet and provided leadership with political vision that changed its own future and that of Europe. I cannot but mention Alcide De Gasperi, whose vision, together with that of other European leaders, led to the birth of an integrated Europe.
Over the years, Italy found its place among the group of the world’s major economies and continues to be considered one of the most influential countries in the world, despite experiencing crises, such as the terrorism that scarred the 1970s and 1980s.
For Malta, Italy is extremely important. Aside from being a neighbour, it is the EU member state that can relate best to our realities at the south of Europe. Very often, those issues that affect us, such as illegal immigration and development in the Mediterranean, are those that also impact Italy.
Over the years, Italy has also provided assistance through a number of financial protocols through which we have improved our country’s infrastructure and which we are still benefitting from today. Like us, Italy has worked for peace and stability in the Mediterranean, which is needed today more than ever before, considering the events in North Africa.
I join the Italian people in celebrating this important anniversary and look forward to many more years of bilateral cooperation – March 17.
Fewer cows, more milk
The dairy sector has made significant progress since Malta’s accession to the European Union. Over the past three years, we have provided assistance to farmers to restructure their herds in order to improve efficiency. Thanks to €3 million in financial assistance provided by the Maltese government and the European Union, we now have fewer cows but increased volumes of milk.
Milk production has increased by 8.2 per cent, whereby each cow is producing a kilo more milk a day. In 2003, production stood at 40 million kilos of fresh milk a year. Today, we produce 42 million kilos. This increase has taken place despite an 8.8 per cent reduction in the number of dairy cows. This also means fewer nitrates and, therefore, a reduced negative impact on the environment.
I could see the progress for myself this week when I visited one of the dairy farms close to Magħtab, together with students from St Monica’s school, Gżira. It was a pleasure to meet George and Helen, the owners of the farm. I was all the more pleased to see that their two sons are also interested in entering the sector. One of their sons is studying engineering at Mcast, recognising the importance of furthering his education.
The sector has responded positively to the restructuring programme and investment taking place. The progress speaks for itself. This is why Maltese milk has been given the EU quality stamp, which is known as the Oval Mark. This is the product of much hard work on the part of the government, farmers and local companies, providing the consumer with fresh milk of the highest quality – March 17.
http://georgepullicino.blogspot.com
The author is Minister of Resources and Rural Affairs.