Seminar: SOLAR ENERGY MARKETS:
MALTESE AND GERMAN EXPERIENCES TOWARDS 2020
THE RENEWABLE ENERGY MARKET IN MALTA:
PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES,
MR. MARK BAJADA, VICE-PRESIDENT,
RENEWABLE ENERGY ASSOCIATION MALTA
5th April 2011
REAM – Who is REAM?
The Renewable Energy Association Malta was setup in October
2009
REAM has an appointed committee that meets regularly to
discuss issues related to RES.
Intervene and discuss with the authorities.
REAM consolidates members ideas and increases lobbying with
authorities to push forward the ideas of how Malta can benefit
from RES.
REAM – Objectives
REAM was formed to assist its members in:
• quality products
• certifications
• training
What are the factors effecting
RES growth?
With the current turmoil in the
middle east highly reflecting into a
new era of price hikes and with Japan
that brought to light the reality of
danger with nuclear power stations
has confirmed that RES is surely one
of the most reliable and effective
source of energy that blends with
nature and has no side effects or
uncontrollable factors.
Oil is becoming an uncontrollable
source affecting the global economy
and resulting in instability. RES has
proven to be a reliable source of
energy that gives stability to the
economy together with respect to
humanity and nature.
RES Direct Stakeholders in Malta
Due to the rapidly expanding RES market in Malta several
authorities had to adopt to this change.
Namely:
MEPA (Malta Environment and
Planning Authority) - had to
draft new policies to integrate RES.
MRA (Malta Resources Authority) –
obtained national and ERDF grants
for the general public to install PV
and SWH systems. MRA has also been instrumental for the
setting up of RES grid connection and related technical
issues.
RES Direct Stakeholders in Malta
Malta Enterprise – obtained grants and introduced tax
incentive schemes for the commercial/industrial entities to
adopt RES solutions.
Enemalta - has adopted the necessary changes to include
RES grid connection. Some technical issues are still limiting
the RES installations especially in remote
areas.
We understand that due to several changes
required in introducing RES it would take
some time, yet it is highly recommended
that this is done in a timely manner
otherwise these will result in loss of
interest/investment.
RES SITUATION UNTIL TODAY
Solar Water Heaters:
The scheme with means test has limited the swh industry as
the procedure was disclosing several information and the
general public approach was not good
Not enough promotion/information
on the key benefits of swh
RES SITUATION UNTIL TODAY
Photovoltaic Systems:
The 50%, €3000 capped scheme created a very high interest
in the household sector which unfortunately limited the
investment to circa €6,000 to get the maximum benefit from
the grant.
The application process requested only the presentation of a
quotation which again in the majority of the situations these
where not followed by a site visit and when the grant where
issued, there were several
installation problems due to
space limitations and shading.
RES SITUATION UNTIL TODAY
Photovoltaic Systems:
Timelines were established for the installations to take place
set at 4 months from approval of grant, this timeline was very
short for the installation of nearly 2,000 systems.
Not enough information to the general public in the
technologies available.
Instead of using grant schemes as a stepping stone to use
more RES the ERDF grants from MRA are imposing a
limitation that will not allow the owner to add on
more PV modules to the systems,
otherwise grants will be subject to
recovery if the system is found to be
modified.
RES SITUATION UNTIL TODAY
Wind:
Policy for the installations – the
perception of applying to MEPA
for the installation of wind
turbines could slow the interest
in the installation of wind
turbines
How can Malta achieve 10% by 2020?
New buildings must have solar heaters integrated in
their design as a pre-requisite before getting building
permit
Solar heaters should be more
widespread though achievable schemes.
Recently a new grant scheme for
solar water heaters was announced.
When new schemes are launched we recommend that
prior to application closing date info sessions are made
to explain the key benefits to the investors.
How can Malta achieve 10% by 2020?
A FIT that incentivise the general public to invest in RES thus
minimising a lot of after installation checks, this will
streamline quality of modules, efficiency and aftermarket.
Simple application process
Less time to issue the ok –grants approvals from both MRA &
Malta Enterprise
More info sessions to the general public and stake holder, eg
agriculture, manufacturers etc- how
they can benefit from tax schemes
and investment schemes
How can Malta achieve 10% by 2020?
Utilise the existing roofs and space available for PV
installations
Product quality and durability
Increase awareness of RES in schools
and local councils
Create space for installations of PV
MEPA new building permits should
impose the use of RES
There are several issues that are
constantly discussed with local
authorities, some of these issues
are national and others are of an
EU nature/directives.
Thank You
Mark Bajada
Vice President REAM
m.bajada@bajadagroup.com