The Energy and Water Agency has opened the sixth call of its Research and Innovation (R&I) Scheme, continuing its mission to support collaborative projects that tackle Malta’s most pressing energy and water challenges.
Since 2020, the Scheme has invested over €2 million in 15 projects, delivering tangible solutions that contribute to Malta’s sustainability goals. Over the years, it has helped build partnerships between academia, industry and the public sector, fostering a culture of innovation that addresses real national needs.
The launch of this sixth call was held at Abertax, a previous beneficiary of the Scheme, where attendees could also see first-hand some of the results achieved through earlier projects. Abertax, in collaboration with the University of Malta, developed initiatives such as ReUse, which created innovative processes to test and repurpose discarded electric vehicle batteries, and PvPro, a renewable-based water heating and energy management system.
Speaking at the launch, EWA CEO Manuel Sapiano highlighted the steady increase in interest over the years. “Every year we see more enthusiasm for this Scheme, reflecting the determination of Malta’s research community. We’re proud that the Agency can help bring people from different sectors together to address these challenges and deliver solutions that make a difference,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Minister Miriam Dalli commended the Agency’s efforts and the Scheme’s achievements so far. “This Scheme has enabled researchers and innovators to turn their ideas into real-world solutions that benefit our society, economy, and environment. It strengthens Malta’s research ecosystem while addressing our most urgent energy and water challenges”.
With a budget of €400,000, this year’s call remains open until 10th October 2025. Proposals should focus on one of six priority areas that reflect Malta’s current policy priorities: greywater reuse systems, more efficient agricultural irrigation, renewable energy integration, smart leakage detection, decarbonisation technologies in buildings, and sustainable operations.
The R&I Scheme forms part of the Agency’s RINEW Platform, designed to support research-driven solutions and strengthen collaboration across sectors. Over time, the Scheme has evolved to offer more support to applicants, including higher maximum grants per project, longer timeframes to allow for more advanced prototypes, and a requirement that projects are delivered by consortia.
Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti also welcomed the launch, highlighting the importance of supporting innovators and collaborative research. “By investing in research and fostering partnerships, we are empowering Malta’s researchers and innovators to develop solutions that strengthen our economy and sustainability” .
At the event, representatives of Abertax and the University of Malta presented the outcomes of their projects, demonstrating how innovation backed by public funding can deliver practical benefits for homes, businesses, and the environment. The results of the fifth call will be communicated shortly, with more projects expected to join the growing list of beneficiaries.
Full details of the sixth call, including the Rules for Participation, are available on the following link: https://energywateragency.gov.mt/ri-grant-scheme-2025/
For further information, interested parties can contact the Agency at rni-energywateragency@gov.mt.
