Updated | Energy ministry meets GRTU over PV pilot project

The representatives of the Ministry for Energy and Health and GRTU have met to clarify solar development plans associated with Enemalta and Shanghai Electric Power, after the small business chamber protested the value of 310,000 square metres of land passed on to Enemalta plc for a PV panel pilot project.

Both parties said they were committed to the ongoing development of the solar energy sector in Malta, with a new scheme for domestic feed-in tariffs and capital grant now expected for the coming weeks.

“The ministry gave assurance to the GRTU that schemes and feed-in tariffs for private investments will continue to be launched on a rolling basis and that various public-private partnerships in this field will also be launched,” the government said in a statement.

“Discussions between the GRTU and the ministry are underway in relation to the development of a PPP for solar energy which will enable multiple service providers to have the opportunity to invest in the sector.”

Earlier, GRTU reacted to reports in MaltaToday that some 310,000 square metres of space had been granted to Enemalta plc at the mere price of 50c per square metre, claiming it was “very disappointed” after it had lobbied the government reserve land available to local businesses for PV investments.

“Instead of leasing it to local businesses for investment and rehabilitation it was leased to a Chinese company,” the GRTU said referring to Enemalta plc’s 33% shareholder Shanghai Electric Power.

“An area of this size could have easily provided for two years’ work for the Maltese enterprises and their employees involved in this sector. It would have made up for the quiet periods this sector experiences when MRA schemes are closed and their staff are idle,” the GRTU said.

The solar energy component for 2020 has been increased from 28MWp to an estimated 192MWp. Enemalta and Shanghai Electric Power, its 33% shareholder, will develop a pilot project in Malta of some 10MWp which will serve as a showcase for their joint-European business.

“The remaining 182MWp will offer significant opportunities for the private sector,” the government said.

Malta Enterprise offers government-owned factory roofs at €3.35 per square metre.

“If what is reported in the media is correct, this is almost seven times more expensive than the rate given to Shanghai Electric Power,” the GRTU said earlier. “This is a case of two weights and two measures, where a foreign company is being given advantageous terms in respect to many local companies.”

GRTU said Maltese businesses were being treated as second-class citizens in their own country. “Maltese companies should get first preference by right, ahead of foreign businesses and if there is an opportunity Maltese businesses should always be given first priority.”

The chamber said it was not against foreign direct investment but demanded that Maltese companies be treated with dignity and given the same opportunities at the same price of foreign businesses. “GRTU demands an official clarification and if the facts are as reported, then GRTU demands corrective action in this regard so that Maltese enterprises are placed on equal footing.”