Malta may reach 190 MWp of solar capacity in 2020

Dec 23, 2014 - Malta may be sourcing 5% of its energy from 190 MWp of solar power plants in 2020, which is half of its 10% renewable energy target.

The other 5% will come from bioenergy plants, heat pumps, waste-to-energy plants and solar thermal systems, according to a new plan by the government. For now Malta has no intention to promote wind project development as it has been found to be infeasible and unsustainable, Malta Today cited Ronald Mizzi, permanent secretary at the energy ministry, as saying.

According to the official, the Ministry of Energy will announce additional grants for new photovoltaic (PV) projects in the next few months.

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) and the Ministry of Energy and Health recently published a proposed policy framework offering guidance for the siting of new solar power plants and listing design criteria and mitigation measures. The policy will be out for consultation by February 13.

The government expects to see Malta’s installed PV capacity at the end of this year reach around 60 MWp. Annual installations have been estimated at 15 MWp to 25 MWp.

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