Powering Malta

The ICEX program heavily relies on several pieces of technology, including the VideoRay ROV, it’s control box, computers, GoPros, and more. All of these pieces of equipment require power. At some sites we have been near an outlet, but other times the team depends on a generator. I became interested in exploring where Malta's Energy was coming from.

Malta used to utilize a coal power plant for it’s energy production, but began transitioning to diesel in 1992. In 1995, the Marsa coal power plant was shut down, and since that point, their energy production has relied exclusively on oil (Malta Energy). Since Malta does not have any domestic oil production, it is completely dependent on foreign oil imports (Malta Energy).

Electricity Generation by Type (Malta Energy)

Malta’s energy consumption is dominated by the transportation sector (Malta Energy). This includes transportation within the country as well as transportation between Malta and other nations.

Recently, Malta’s total energy consumption has increased significantly.  Even with the recent increase, Malta’s energy consumption rate and CO2 emissions per capita still remain well below the European Union’s averages. Malta has also seen significant increases in the price of its electricity. It is currently ranked as the sixth highest price in the EU, only behind Poland, German, Slovakia, Hungary and Cyprus (Vella). These high-energy prices have begun to stimulate the growth in alternative energy interests.

Malta vs EU Energy and CO2 Per Capita (Malta Energy)

The EU is currently working to reduce the effects of climate change. In 2007, they agreed to set a goal of collectively producing 20% renewable energy by 2020. The adjusted goal for Malta is 10% by 2020. These renewables targets were calculated by comparing each nation’s renewable consumption to its gross final energy consumption (Malta Renewable).

The current plans to meet these goals include the construction of three new wind farms – two onshore in Wied Rini, Baħrija and in Ħal Far, and one offshore at is-Sikka l-Bajda (off of the coast of L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa). Once completed, these sites will produce an estimated 109.4 MW of power (Camilleri). The projects will also provide many engineering jobs during their construction.

I will continue researching the production and consumption of energy in Malta. In particular, I am interested in learning more about the underwater power cable that is currently being built to connect Malta to the rest of the EU grid (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malta%E2%80%93Sicily_interconnector). I am interested to see if this link will help to reduce electricity prices once the project is complete.

Camilleri, Ivan. “Malta set to exceed renewable energy targets.” Times of Malta.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110107/local/malta-set-to-exceed-renewable-energy-targets.344210.

Josette, C., S. Michael, and E. M. Franco. "Utilization of pulverized fuel ash in Malta." Waste Manage 26.8 (2006): 853-860.

“Malta Energy Mix Fact Sheet.” European Commission. 2007. http://ec.europa.eu/energy/energy_policy/doc/factsheets/mix/mix_mt_en.pdf.

“Malta Renewable Energy Fact Sheet.” European Commission. 2008. http://www.energy.eu/renewables/factsheets/2008_res_sheet_malta_en.pdf.

Vella, Matthew. “Electricity prices stable, but Malta’s rates sixth highest of EU member states” Malta Today. 2012. http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/Electricity-prices-stable-but-Malta-s-rates-sixth-highest-of-EU-member-states-20120525