The EU Directive 2012/27/EU, which promotes energy efficiency, defines ‘efficiency’ as the ratio of the output of performance, service, goods or energy to the input of energy.

Malta has the third-lowest final energy consumption per capita of all EU member states, and there are several reasons for this. The first is that the Maltese are far less reliant on heating homes and places of work than many other, more northerly EU countries.

Malta’s economy also does not rely on energy-intensive industries, and there are no gas distribution networks or district heating/cooling networks on the island.

It is acknowledged that one of the most effective measures to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels is the installation of small‑scale renewable energy technologies. To this end, we support the Ministry and Regulator for Energy and Water Services in managing schemes that encourage the installation of solar water heaters, heat pump water heaters, and photovoltaic (solar) panels for individual consumption.

The Agency is increasing Malta’s energy efficiency by:

• Coordinating the replacement of street lighting by energy efficient LED
• Supporting enterprises to undertake energy efficiency projects,
• Aiding small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to carry out audits to identify operational changes that can save energy at no extra cost.
• Supporting vulnerable households in reducing their energy consumption;

For more information on the measures being taken in different sectors, click here.