I am a German editor (retired) who lives in Buġibba after visiting Malta since 1978 as a tourist and I am suffering from the enormous costs of electricity as much as all the Maltese do. When I visited Germany in February I got into contact with the Schiller group, which is constructing underwater turbines that produce very cheap electricity using the currents. I was convinced at once that this technology could solve the power problems of Malta for very reasonable prices and I started working for the Schiller group as a lobbyist.
In March I got in contact with Evarist Bartolo from the Labour Party, who seemed to be very interested in that technology. In addition I have sent details to the Office of the Prime Minister, who confirmed by e-mail that they have received the information. But in the following weeks nothing happened from either side.
So I contacted Justin Tonna, responsible editor of the Economic Update, to inform him about this revolutionary technology, which seems to be an excellent chance to solve Malta's power problems for much less money in comparison to the power stations, which are driven by oil, or the now discussed wind parks which should cost about €130 million. Mr Tonna published his article about the underwater turbines in the August issue of the Economic Update, but so far he has not received any feedback.
Are Maltese politicians not interested in this new technology, which can save millions of euros and can produce as much energy as required for very much less money?
What happens when SmartCity is finished and from where will the power come for the Tigné project and Manoel Island?
Wind farms may be good for Germany but not for a small island like Malta. Does anybody think the shores get more attractive to the tourists with wind turbines? I don't believe so.
The turbines of the Schiller group can be installed in the Gozo channel. No one will see them, no one will hear them and no one will smell them.
This is a unique chance for Malta to become independent of oil.
A last remark: Mater Dei was under construction for at least 10 years. But can one find any solar energy on the roofs? Why not?