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Labour considering solar farms as a source of alternative energy
Labour leader Joseph Muscat reiterates his government would decrease utility bills by making “consistent use of energy mix”.
11 November 2012, 12:00am
Miriam Dalli
Miriam Dalli
2 min read
Labour leader Joseph Muscat.
Opposition leader Joseph Muscat reiterated that Malta couldn't remain fully dependent on oil energy and insisted government should have opted for a gas-fuelled power station rather than one running on heavy fuel oil.
Intervening on One Radio this morning, Muscat said, "Despite the government always accusing us of not coming up with proposals, we had insisted that it should go for the gas option. If government had listened to us, this country would be in a much far better position."
The Opposition leader added that government's choice for the extension resulted in higher utility bills and more damaging to the environment.
Referring to the European Commission's autumn forecast published this week, in which the EC gave government the go ahead to continue with its planned budget, Muscat said the report notef a Nationalist government planned to increase the utility bills next year.
Quoting from the EC report, Muscat said: "Energy inflation is forecast to strengthen under the assumption of an increase in electricity prices."
He added that in reality the families were used to such practice after the elections when considering the surcharge increase after the 2008 election.
According to Muscat, a Labour government would be reducing the utility bills by basing its policies on "consistent energy mix".
"Our country needs a policy that makes use of both the conventional and alternative energy sources. We agree on incentivising the use of solar panels but these would reach their full potential once utility bills really go down," he said.
Muscat said he agreed with the concept of solar farms, which he said was a better idea than wind farms as these are almost impossible to set up in Malta.
"GonziPN is not credible about energy. It has consistently taken the wrong decisions, the major one being going for the BWSC power."
On government's securing a deficit below the 3%, Muscat said this was reached by cutting down on capital expenditure rather than cutting back on recurrent expenditure. He then included the privatisation of the public lotto, which was carried out in a year rather then distributed along the years.
"These are the games that government plays and which show that, in reality, it is not sustainable," he added.
Miriam Dalli joined MaltaToday.com.mt in 2010 becoming assistant editor f...
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I would provide my roof for solar panels if the Government pays for them, and in return for the airspace subsidizes my electricity bill. As things stand today the cost and lifetime of solar panels don't make sense...it's just a marketing ploy for the companies selling them...just like solar heaters, you have plenty of hot water you don't need in summer and freeze to death showering in the morning in winter...
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According to Muscat, a Labour government would be reducing the utility bills by basing its policies on "consistent energy mix"..........mela irridu nistennew xi hames snin jew aktar biex ikollna il kontijiet imrahhsa ghax sakemm isir l-istudju, u johorgu il permessi il bambin jaf kemm irid jghaddi zmien.
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There are many areas which can be covered by solar panels like carparks,
Luke Camilleri •
Joseph huwa l'ENERGIJA li ghandhu bzonn dan l-pajjiz wara il-Gonzi Experience fl'energija tal-irzietet fuq il-bahar, fuq l'art u f'mohhu!
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Solar farms on an island where space is at a premium? For solar farms to make a dint in Malta's energy requirements, you would need to cover half of Malta with them. Better ideas please!
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Better Future, are you for real? What a load!
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Joseph Muscat's new, nationally attuned "Movement", mitigating under the PL banner, seems to be brimming with good ideas. It is also attracting unbiased, non consultancy driven, pale blue hue, intelligent persons like bees to honey. It shines out, in a very dull, grey, overstayed sky, as the only viable, future Government, bubbling with fresh ideas and proposals, vibrant energy, technically endowed vigorous candidates and serious, can-do old timers.
