Momentum calls for refusal of solar farm proposal on top of Żebbuġ hill in Gozo and urges the public to object
Momentum is calling on the Planning Authority to refuse Planning Application PA/03747/26, which proposes an industrial-scale, ground-mounted solar farm on Ta’ Kuljat Hill in Żebbuġ, Gozo.
Momentum fully supports the transition to renewable energy but insists that it must not come at the expense of our protected countryside. National planning policy clearly identifies more appropriate locations for large-scale solar projects, including rooftops, industrial areas, quarries and other already developed sites.
The proposed development would cover approximately 27,360 square metres of exposed hilltop within an Area of High Landscape Sensitivity and mapped garrigue habitat. It would also require supporting infrastructure, including electricity connections, trenching and access for heavy machinery, raising serious concerns about irreversible damage to one of Gozo’s most distinctive rural landscapes. Covering this land with panels would destroy a protected garrigue ecosystem, displacing native flora and fauna, compacting and sealing the soil, and causing permanent, irreversible harm to natural habitat.
Momentum notes that the proposal appears to conflict with the Gozo and Comino Local Plan, the Strategic Plan for Environment and Development (SPED), and the 2021 Solar Farm Policy, which specifically excludes large-scale solar farms on garrigue and open countryside.
Rather than taking up pristine virgin land, Momentum is calling on the Government to establish public-private partnerships to install solar farms on existing public infrastructure. Public buildings, schools, and large public car parks, such as those in Victoria, Marsalforn, and Xlendi. All sites offer significant potential to generate clean energy while also providing shaded parking, without sacrificing natural landscapes.
Carmel Asciak, executive committee member of Momentum, said, “This is not an objection to renewable energy. It is an objection to placing industrial-scale development in one of Gozo’s protected landscapes when more suitable alternatives already exist.”
Momentum warns that approving this application would set a dangerous precedent for similar developments on other hills across Malta and Gozo. Other concerns include loss of visual amenity and rural character valued by residents and tourists, soil erosion and disruption of natural water runoff, and reduction of land available for agriculture.
The public is urged to submit objections to the Planning Authority until 10 July 2026 through the online representation form:
https://www.pa.org.mt/en/representationform?CaseFullRef=PA/03747/26&SystemKey=304313
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