Mediterranean Action Plan

MALTA - National study
1.3 Impa cts and risks of th e observed and f ore cast evo l u t ions
1.3.1 Energy dependence and Energy bill
Malta is totally reliant on imported fossil fuels for its energy needs. Fossil fuels in the form of
oil and gas are the primary energy sources utilised in Malta. These products are imported
from several countries including Libya, Iraq and Russia and are typically uplifted from
locations in Sicily, Italy, France, Spain, Israel and the Black Sea bordering countries.
Fuel oils are currently purchased as refined products. In the past, oil was purchased as crude
stock and was shipped to refineries where it was refined into various distillates. Those
products that were not used on the local market were sold or traded.
The fuels that are imported for inland use are fuel oils of varying sulphur content; gasoil of
varying sulphur content and including EN590, light cycle oil leaded and unleaded gasoline,
kerosene, Jet A1, aviation fuel, liquefied petroleum gas. Coal was also imported and used in
the generation of electrical power up to 1995.
There are also a number of companies operating in the oil bunkering and storage business
which operate fuel storage facilities.
In 2006 Government decided in favour of an HVDC cable interconnection with Sicily to
supplement or enhance on island generation. A consultancy study on the optimal sizing of
the interconnection and feasibility and other studies on options for diversification of fuels for
on island generation – by considering natural gas and liquefied natural gas as alternatives to
the existing fuel oil/gas oil mix is expected to commence shortly.
1.3.2 Greenhouse gas effect
Malta submitted its report to the first communication to the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change. This Communication provides a national greenhouse gas
inventory for the period 1990-2000. Malta‟s total CO2 emissions increased from 1,895 Gg in
1990 to 2,450 Gg in 1999. It has been noted that energy sector (power generation and
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