Mediterranean Action Plan

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ENERGY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE MEDITERRANEAN
In 2006 Enemalta Corporation published its Electricity Generation Plan for the period 2006 to
2015. This Plan notes that the existing generation plant has aged considerably while their
operating efficiency is relatively low. In addition given expected new developments which will
increases expected peak demand and consumption, the existing generation capacity is only
expected to meet this demand until 2010. Further loss due to faults to one of the larger units
could also mean a shortfall in generation in summer 2007. Enemalta Corporation further
notes that environmental obligations arising from various EU Directives (Large Combustion
Plant directive, National Emissions Ceiling Directive, Emission Trading Directive and the
National Allocation Plan) and the Gothenburg Protocol pose additional constraints on existing
and planned generating plant. This Plan highlights the need for 200 MW of local generation
to be replaced either by new generating plant or by a cable interconnection (Enemalta
Corporation, 2006b).
It has been noted that the energy sector requires massive investment (generation and
distribution) to sustain the growth in demand created by changing standard of living of
citizens and increased economic activity.
Investment is also required in certain critical sections of the distribution system to prevent
distribution failures.
Enemalta Corporation 2006b estimate that the expected expenditure levels for the following
infrastructure projects are as follows:
130MW CCGT plant -Lm35-40 million (€ 81.5 - € 93.2 million)
132kV DC‟s and cables Lm20 million (€ 46.6 million)
200MW electric cable interconnection Lm55 million (€ 128.1 million)
33kV Distribution Centre‟s and reinforcement Lm10 million (€ 23.3 million)
Malta Sicily gas pipeline (if adopted) Lm65 million (€ 151.4 million).
2. Rational energy use (RUE) and renewable energies (RE): policies,
tools, progress, resulting effects, case studies
2.1 RUE and RE policies
Sustainable energy use is the prime objective of any energy policy. As reported earlier the
Government of Malta in 2005 highlighted its intention to evaluate the implications of Malta‟s
dependency on fossil fuels and adopt such necessary measures in order to reduce this
dependency. Government has embarked on a series of measures to address this situation
including:
carrying out feasibility studies on the purchase of electricity through the European grid as
well as through the installation of a pipeline or gas storage plant in order to introduce gas
as another source for the generation of electricity;
greater use of alternative sources of energy;
raising public awareness on energy efficiency and alternative energy sources.
2.1.1 Rational energy use (RUE) policies
An energy efficiency policy is being prepared using a structured approach based on the
following methodology.
Establish quantitatively how energy, imported into Malta as fossil fuel, is transformed or
otherwise made available to consumers in the required convenient forms.
Identify the uses to which this energy is put.
Identify whether and how increased energy efficiency can be achieved in the
transformation processes and in energy use. – technical measures, attitude change by
consumers, educational programs, etc.
Quantify the potential for achieving this increased efficiency, investigate holistically the
costs involved and hence determine cost-effective measures to be taken.