Vouchers for each household to acquire five energy saving lamps from any shop of its choice will be handed out next year, Finance Minister Tonio Fenech announced this evening. He also announced a tax of 25c per traditional light bulb and 50c per traditional neon tube to discourage their use.

He said the government would be granting assistance of up to €460 per household for those who choose to buy a solar water heating system. The scheme, which will be open for the first 4,500 applicants, will cover up to two-thirds of the cost of such heating systems.

Similarly, up to €3,000 will be given to those who opt to install the more expensive photovoltaic systems, the scheme being open to the first 200 applicants.

The government has also allocated €300,000 for grants of up to €300 each for those who wish to insulate their roof or install double glazing at home to conserve energy. The scheme is open to 1,000 families.

Enemalta will also be giving a personalised service to families needing advice on energy saving and an information campaign on energy saving will be launched.

Incentives for industry

For industry, the government is allocating a total of €10 million for assistance on investment in energy saving equipment. The assistance will equal 60% of capital outlay. Companies which invest in photovoltaic cells are also already eligible for a tax credit of 243%.

New tax on petrol

The minister pointed out that the government is also going ahead with plans for a €130 million offshore wind farm in association with the private sector. The possibility of smaller turbines on land is also being considered. Another power generation plant will be built at Delimara so that the less efficient plant at Marsa may be closed.

Investment will also be made on a cable to link to the European grid.

Part of this investment will be recouped through a new tax of 3c5c per litre of petrol and 2c per litre of diesel.