Government launches new energy efficiency scheme

The sustainable energy and water conservation unit and Malta Enterprise have launched a new energy efficiency scheme, intended to support the initial capital costs through a system of tax credits.

Malta Enterprise, in a statement, said beneficiaries may benefit from tangible economic benefits within reasonable timeframes, when system design and operating modes are optimised.

“The agency has analysed the potential for the uptake of co-generation under local climatic and energy demand conditions in conjunction with energetic resource availability and pricing, to identify specific sectors where the technology can be applied cost effectively,” Malta Enterprise said.

“Small scale CHP is particularly suitable for applications such as hotels, hospitals, commercial buildings and specific industrial processes where there is a steady demand for heat and power throughout most of the year.”

High-efficiency cogeneration can effectively deliver between 20% and 40% primary energy savings when the majority of heat production is recovered. Furthermore, CO2 emissions may be reduced by up to 50%.

Minister Konrad Mizzi, in charge of the sustainable energy and water conservation unit within the Office of the Prime Minister, reiterated that the government is committed to work on more energy schemes which will enhance the industry’s competitiveness and protect the environment.

Economy Minister Chris Carodna said the government will continue prioritising its policies according to the needs of businesses, in line with a sustainable economic strategy.

“Such initiatives allow businesses to be more cost effective whilst also having a competitive-edge,” Cardona said in the statement.

Malta Enterprise will process the administrative and financial eligibility of the scheme’s procedure, while the agency will process the technical elegibility aspects.

“These energy efficiency savings from co-generation systems contribute towards Malta’s energy efficiency target to 2020.”