Malta To Explore North Africa Renewable Energy Production
A Pre-Market Consultation has been issued with the aim of exploring the feasibility of renewable energy production projects in North Africa and the possibility of integrating such energy into Malta’s overall energy supply mix.
The initiative was announced by the Minister for the Environment and Energy, Miriam Dalli, during a conference titled “Reaffirming Business Commitment to the Green Transition,” organised by the Climate Action Authority.
Minister Dalli said that in the current international context it is becoming increasingly important for the Government to maintain a clear and focused strategy in the energy sector. She reiterated that the Government will continue to prioritise price stability while advancing projects that prepare Malta for the future, in line with Malta Vision 2050.
She explained that several energy projects are currently ongoing and that the Pre-Market Consultation, published by Interconnect Malta, forms part of these efforts. Through this process, the potential to import renewable energy from North Africa to supply Maltese households will be explored. The consultation aims to gather technical information, including indicative costs, while inviting economic operators to propose possible projects.
At this stage, Minister Dalli said the country is exploring available options and assessing feasibility so that future decisions can be taken based on evidence. She added that the consultation will consider a range of proposals, including those combining solar and wind energy to provide a balanced mix of resources.
She also noted that work on a second interconnector is progressing well and that preparations for an offshore wind electricity generation project outside Malta’s territorial waters are ongoing. These projects form part of a broader vision, with some expected to begin operating in the coming months, while others are being developed for longer term implementation.
Minister Dalli emphasised that the Government’s approach to innovation should signal to investors and the business community that stability is being maintained to support the environmental transition. She said sustainability and the green transition must remain central to decision making, adding that those who embrace change stand to gain competitive advantages, as already demonstrated by several Maltese companies.
Interconnect Malta Chief Executive Officer Ing. Ismail D’Amato said the organisation is inviting market participants to take part in the consultation to facilitate the importation of 0.8 TWh of renewable energy annually, covering around 25 per cent of Malta’s 2025 electricity demand. He explained that the initiative aims to explore the feasibility of a baseload renewable supply that reduces intermittency, supported by a 25 year fixed price Contract for Difference framework intended to provide long term price stability.
The conference recorded strong participation from CEOs, senior executives, investors, academics and representatives of the European Commission, reflecting continued interest in the green transition.
Climate Action Authority Chief Executive Officer Ing. Abigail Cutajar said the authority’s role extends beyond regulation, as it actively promotes and supports change. She stressed that climate change continues to progress and that coordinated action is necessary, outlining a range of initiatives being undertaken to support meaningful and lasting progress.
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