The latest figures released by the National Statistics Office show that Malta's greenhouse gas emissions have increased by 45 per cent since 1990, which contrasts with Malta's targets.

The lion's share of emission is from the power stations, the NSO said. And last Thursday, the Malta Employers' Association said the fact that the Marsa power station was still operating in the most densely populated area - after the newer power station was built in pristine countryside at Delimara - was why it could have reason to question the Enemalta' decisions.

The government had pledged prior to the referendum on Malta's accession to the EU in 2003 that this power station would either conform to EU standards by date of accession or else close down. In 2009, the government argues that an extension at the Delimara power station is needed before such a scenario is possible.

Environmentalists have lashed out at the choice of heavy fuel for the plant, with energy expert Edward Mallia telling The Sunday Times: "This is certainly not a step forward and cannot be described as progressive."

The plant will oblige Malta to export 15 containers of hazardous waste every week, at an estimate of €420 per cubic metre, according to the Infrastructure Ministry.

Natural gas would produce much less hazardous waste, but Dr Gatt, who is responsible for the power stations, made his priorities clear in Parliament: "Yes, efficiency is higher but gas oil is much more expensive. From a financial point of view, we will gain nothing."

Malta is at the bottom of the EU list in terms of clean energy use.

But the government still needs to generate 20 per cent of its energy from renewables to meet EU targets.

The plan is to generate 4.8 per cent of energy from wind power, another five per cent from waste-to-energy technologies, and the rest from incentives for the uptake of solar energy and increasing energy efficiency. An interconnector to Sicily is also planned.

If all the projects go through as planned, Malta would "just about" manage to reach its targets, the Resources Ministry said.

Environmental NGOs have voiced scepticism over whether this is possible in just over a decade. The absence of solar energy has also been raised - although incentives for solar water heating have been given.

The government is banking on the offshore wind farm at Is-Sikka l-Bajda, even though studies are at a preliminary stage.

The 18 to 20 turbines at Is-Sikka l-Bajda could provide electricity to 40,000 households. It is the largest of three sites proposed - two smaller land-based farms are proposed at Wied Rini and Ħal Far.

If the offshore reef at Mellieħa is not adequate, there is "no plan B" - and Malta would probably have to ask the EU to reconsider its expectations, according to the Resources Ministry.

Waste is the next 'renewable' energy Malta has chosen. An investment of over €100 million is planned for an incinerator at Delimara, together with another €55 million on two pre-treatment plants, at Għallis and in Gozo, according the waste management strategy. Gas extraction from landfills would top up the energy generation from waste.

NGOs said a more diversified renewable energy mix could eliminate the need to build an incinerator at Delimara. Studies have also linked incinerators to health hazards in surrounding communities.

In terms of energy efficiency, the consumption of electricity has fallen by eight per cent, Dr Gatt said, although this is attributed to higher tariffs rather than green objectives.

The €70 million smart meter project allocated for next year would allow consumers to control energy use, according to Dr Gatt, and last year 130,000 vouchers for free energy- saving bulbs were distributed.

During the past year the MRA received around 44,000 applications for a refund on the purchase of energy efficient appliances, proving the success of such schemes.

Energy-saving measures have been implemented in the production and distribution of water, the Infrastructure Ministry reported.

The government also introduced legislation on energy performance in buildings to reduce the wastage of energy. Social housing and schools have also been the focus of efforts for energy efficiency and renewable energy. \

EU package: 20-20-20

The EU adopted a package on climate change focusing on:

• Emissions to be cut by 20 per cent below 1990 levels.

• Renewable energy use to rise to 20 per cent. *

• Energy efficiency to increase by 20 per cent.

These targets are to be achieved by 2020.

* Malta's target for renewable energy is 10 per cent.