The Energy and Water Agency within the Ministry for Energy and Water Management takes note of the performance audit published by the National Audit Office and which evaluates Feed-in Tariff Schemes for Photovoltaics.
The Agency is glad to note that its efforts to support the development of the solar sector through the implementation of the National Renewable Energy Action Plan are fully appreciated in this report. The assessment also confirms that support schemes for Photovoltaic panels are achieving their main goals, including attracting significant investment in the photovoltaic systems, ensuring that government support is cost efficient, and assisting investors to shift towards a green economy. This contributes towards the achievement of Malta’s interim renewable energy targets and ensures that Malta remains on track to meet its 2020 target as has already been confirmed by the European Commission in its State of the Energy Union report of 2017.
Meanwhile the Agency takes note of the recommendations issued by the NAO which shall be fully taken onboard in the National Energy and Climate Plan 2021-2030, currently being developed. The plan will not only identify Malta’s commitments and targets for 2030 but also quantify policies and measures necessary to achieve these goals. An impact assessment shall also form part of this exercise. Furthermore, a data consolidation process is underway within the framework of existing and upcoming data protection regulation. With regards to the possibility of acquiring renewable credits, whilst taking into account Malta’s geophysical limitations, the Agency shall continue to implement Government Policy which is that to support indigenous investments in this sector in view of their multiple associated benefits.