Government to invest €76 million into large-scale renewable energy projects

Jul 28 2021

Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development Miriam Dalli announced that the government pledges to spend around €76 million over 20 years with the aim of sustaining mass-scale renewable energy projects. A new 16MW generation allocation for energy installations exceeding 1MWp in capacity was allocated on Tuesday, translating into an expenditure of €26 million over 20 years.

Dalli stated that the shift towards a sustainable economy needs to be sustained by providing greener energy, ensuring the involvement of the private sector and increasing the mix in our energy contribution.

Allocations in the past have involved a €50 million financial commitment as they involved projects with capacities of 40KW and greater. Malta has its 2030 EU target for renewable energy generation at 11.5%. The European Commission is, however, aiming to increase the renewables share across the block to 40% by the same year.

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Photo Source: Power Solutions, Miriam Dalli FB

Unexploded Marsaxlokk device identified as anti-submarine mortar

Jul 28 2021

Beachgoers at Marsaxlokk Bay were met with quite a ruckus after they had to be evacuated after an alleged WWII bomb was found in the area. The undetonated device was found on the seabed near Il-Maghluq sandy beach and identified as a wartime British-built anti-submarine mortar. Army sources revealed that it is known as ‘The Hedgehog’, produced from 1941 and fired in batches of up to 24 ahead of ships chasing enemy submarines.

With each mortar wielding a 16kg Torpex charge, the first ship to test and operate such explosives was the destroyer HMS Westcott in November 1941. This particular vessel played a crucial role in escorting aircraft carriers ferrying Spitfire aircraft to Malta. It also aided convoys, including the Santa Marija convoy in August 1942. Army bomb disposal experts safely removed the device, suspecting that the mortar likely fell off some vessel rather than having been fired.

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Photo Source: Times of Malta

Simone Biles withdraws from individual all-around final to focus on mental health

Jul 28 2021

With the women’s individual all-around final at the Tokyo Olympics up next Thursday, Simone Biles has stepped down to focus on her mental health. Biles, 24, pulled out after one rotation of the women’s team final on Tuesday on Tokyo, with USA Gymnastics stating that it is yet to decide whether to withdraw from her four individual finals.

Biles exited the competition floor with the team doctor after her opening vault and scoring 13.766, the lowest mark of the first rotation. She stated that she thinks mental health is more prevalent is sports right now…’we have to protect our minds and our bodies and not just go out and do what the world wants us to do.’

After further medical evaluation, Simone Biles has withdrawn from the final individual all-around competition. We wholeheartedly support Simone’s decision and applaud her bravery in prioritizing her well-being. Her courage shows, yet again, why she is a role model for so many. pic.twitter.com/6ILdtSQF7o

— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) July 28, 2021

USA Gymnastics also fully and wholeheartedly supported Simone’s decision, stating that they applaud her bravery in prioritising her wellbeing. ‘Her courage shows, yet again, why she is a role model for so many’ the statement said. Biles pointed out she was not injured but rather made the decision to protect her mental health.

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Photo Source: USA Today

14-year-old arrested for stabbing man in argument

Jul 28 2021

Police were informed yesterday at around 16:30 that a 14-year-old allegedly stabbed a 21-year-old man during an argument. Police were informed of the case which happened in Triq Locker, Sliema, where a bleeding person was found on the ground.

The young man revealed to the police that he was stabbed during an argument in a residence by an as of yet unidentified sharp object. The victim was identified as an Englishman resident of Mosta.

With the victim rushed to Mater Dei Hospital for treatment and certified as having suffered grievous injuries, police are still investigating with Magistrate Dr Ian Farrugia opening an inquiry.

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