Renewable Energy Section within the MDA discusses future of green energy solutions with new Energy Minister
The possibility of new grant schemes and better Feed-in Tariffs (FIT) in the renewable energy sector were discussed at length during a courtesy meeting between the Renewable Energy Section (RES) of the Malta Developers Association and the new Minister responsible for the sector, the Hon Michael Farrugia.
During the meeting, the RES section, led by Ms Debbie Schembri, emphasised the need of a continued development of policies in this crucial area and further close collaboration between the government and the private sector due to the various challenges the island has, particularly with regards to reaching stringent EU targets and climate change.
The need of new and better grant schemes for the installation of PV panels, particularly through the use of EU funds, to encourage residents depend less on fossil fuel energy was raised with the Minister.
The RES and Minister Farrugia also discussed ideas on how residents who do not own a roof can join forces and participate into collective solar energy projects, the need of better financial incentives through better feed-in tariffs offered by Enemalta and the establishment of a one-stop-shop for renewable energy projects to facilitate the further development of solar energy farms.
“In the past years we have collaborated fully with the government to make sure that renewable energy becomes a tangible asset in our country and give the necessary results. Rapid progress has been achieved and following our meeting, Minister Farrugia has given his commitment to continue to build on the good results of his predecessors,” Ms Schembri stated.
The Renewable Energy Section within the MDA represents the main commercial entities providing services in the sector.