National reform programme 2008-2010 Malta - European Commission

In this respect, energy efficiency can have a significant impact on the demand for energy and
so, it can reduce the country’s fuel bill and the release of carbon into the environment. Within
this context, Malta will embark on a set of initiatives that will contribute towards a 10%
reduction in CO 2 emissions by 2020. In fact, Government has already set up a committee of
national experts with a view to assess the possibility of tapping into sources of alternative
energy as well as to address Malta's national obligations in relation to carbon dioxide
emissions.
The Maltese Government needs to increase reliance on RES with the aim to diversify the fuel
mix, reduce air pollution, reduce local dependence on polluting and costly fuel sources and
ease economic burdens on domestic households and commercial enterprises. Within this
context, Government will heavily invest in renewable energy sources through the assistance
of structural funds. It is envisaged that a number of financial subsidies will be distributed
locally to target the domestic and commercial sector in conjunction with a national information
campaign.
Following the widespread success achieved with the rebate schemes on energy saving
domestic appliances, the Government intends to extend such scheme to RES equipment by
increasing financial subsidies for solar water heaters, photovoltaic and micro-wind generators.
In 2006 market response to solar thermal installations in Malta saw a significant improvement,
as requests for financial subsidies increased to 1,564 when compared to the 360 subsidies
awarded in 2005. Through these aid schemes Malta intends to double such figure to 3,000
units solar water heaters sold per household in 2009, (in addition to the 220 photovoltaic units
and micro-wind generators to be sold ) thus providing a substantial contribution towards the
targets of 2020.
It is estimated that a total amount of 3,145 Mwh/annum (3,000 Mwh/annum domestic + 145
Mwh/annum Commercial) in energy will be saved each year. This means that a total of
903,500 Kg of CO 2 (865,800 Kg Domestic + 37,700 Kg Commercial) will not be released into
the atmosphere.
The Maltese Government is also planning to embark on a wide educational campaign, partly
co-financed by the 2007-2013 EU structural funding, that will educate the general public on
the needs of being ‘energy saving’ conscious and on the need of adopting energy friendly
measures as well RES equipment. The Government will disseminate such good practices
through seminars, conferences, newspapers, TV and radio spots, websites and schools.
Climate Change
Climate change is a cross-cutting global issue which is affecting the foundations of socioeconomic
life globally. Malta, being a small island state, is highly susceptible to the negative
impacts of climate change. These impacts include rise in sea levels, increase in draught,
higher temperatures, etc. These impacts have an effect on key economic sectors including
tourism, manufacturing and agriculture.
In 2008, Malta has managed to successfully complete its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory
for the period 1990-2006 and submit the National Inventory Report for 2008. The national
GHG inventory is also streamlined with the national emissions inventory. It is envisaged that
data from the GHG inventory will assist in the development of national policies towards
emission reduction.
In addition, Government appointed the Climate Change Group of Experts in June 2008. The
Group of Experts is working on an action plan to reduce GHG emissions, over a 20 week
period, with the scope of addressing Malta’s commitments within the negotiation process of
the Climate Change and Energy Package. Furthermore, a National Strategy for Climate
Change will be adopted with a view to better address the challenges posed by climate change.
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