Malta Launches Consultation on Offshore Renewables Policy, Including Wind and Solar

The policy document and consultation it has initiated was announced by Energy Minister Miriam Dalli in the presence of stakeholders and regulating entities.

The Offshore Renewable Energy Policy is technology neutral, and supports the implementation of offshore renewable projects, mainly wind and solar, in areas lying beyond the territorial waters of Malta and within its potential Exclusive Economic Zone. Six potential sites have been identified for investment.

The Minister said, “The Government’s energy vision is to offer affordable and clean energy, improve infrastructure, strengthen innovation and continue delivering measures in favour of climate action.

“The launch of this policy paper for public consultation is an important milestone in this green transition. The deployment of offshore energy projects is also an opportunity for sustainable economic growth, opening up job opportunities in the green and blue economies while tapping into the potential which the Mediterranean Sea has to offer.”

The Minister explained that following the public consultation and subsequent updates to the policy document, an international expression of interest will be issued. In parallel, a Strategic Environment Assessment will be prepared.

The policy provides a comprehensive framework to promote investment in renewable energy; direct potential investors towards efficient renewable technologies; promote research, development and innovation; and ensure the offshore energy potential supports the country’s energy security.

The proposed policy seeks to generate economic growth by creating a platform for green employment opportunities and focuses the possibility of creating jobs in various sectors, including manufacturing, operation, and maintenance of renewable energy infrastructure.

The proposed policy also seeks to complement the regulatory and implementation framework, which will support potential investors in offshore projects, reducing the time from concept to commissioning. The consultation is now open and continues until the end of September 2023.

In July 2023, the country’s Prime Minister, Dr Robert Abela, confirmed the island state was planning to develop offshore windfarms to meet its growing need for clean power.

The Prime Minister said the Maltese Parliament was due to hold a debate to identify areas in which floating windfarms could be developed, after which a call for the generation of renewable energy from the zones would be issued. The Prime Minister also said interconnectors would be developed with nearby countries.

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