Momentum calls for an ambitious switch to clean energy on public transport

On the International Day of Clean Energy, Momentum marks this occasion by drawing attention to Malta’s continued failure to move away from fossil fuels and towards a truly clean, transparent and sustainable energy system. While today should be about celebrating progress, in Malta it serves instead as a reminder that, for over two decades, energy policy has been driven by short-term political interests and opaque deals rather than the public good or environmental responsibility. So much so that Malta is in last place amongst EU countries with regard to CO2 emissions.

Malta is performing poorly under the EU’s Effort Sharing Regulation, which sets binding emission-reduction targets for sectors such as transport, buildings, waste, and agriculture. Instead of reducing emissions, Malta’s greenhouse gas output in these sectors has increased significantly since 2005, making it one of the worst-performing Member States in the European Union. Without decisive action, Malta risks missing its legally binding 2030 targets and relying on purchasing emission credits from other countries rather than delivering real emission reductions at home.

Successive governments have tied Malta’s energy future to controversial and damaging agreements. From the PN administration’s BWSC contract, to the PL government’s energy deal with Azerbaijan, the Montenegro concession, and most recently, the Magħtab incinerator. Momentum hopes that the new offshore wind farm project will be away from any controversy.

Dr Matthew Agius, committee member of Momentum, said, “Malta still lacks a serious long-term plan to transition to green energy. The government’s clean energy policy has largely focused on rooftop solar investment. Momentum believes that every effort must be made to ensure that new national infrastructure is designed to operate on green energy from the outset. This includes public transport and maritime services. Our public buses and the proposed Gozo Channel vessels, for example, should be fossil-fuel-free, following the successful model already implemented in countries such as Norway, where fully electric ferries connect islands.”

Momentum adds that the government must be fully transparent about its plans for oil and gas exploration, particularly in light of recent offshore exploration agreements that were not publicly announced (https://www.viridiengroup.com/company/newsroom/news/viridien-launches-integrated-multi-client-data-project-offshore-malta). Malta should also pursue other sustainable energy solutions, such as assessing Malta’s geothermal potential.

There is hope, you can help!

Join Momentum and build a better Malta. Volunteer, donate, or subscribe today!