An innovative refrigeration technology which operates using solar renewable energy was today launched in Malta by Angelo Aquilina Refrigeration Supplies Ltd. The Solar Cool equipment, which can save up to a maximum of 70% in electrical consumption, was inaugurated by Economy Minister Chris Cardona at the Golden Harvest bakery in San Gwann.
Angelo Aquilina General Manager Justin Aquilina said the energy savings generated by the system are substantial. Apart from reducing a company’s energy overhead, the system helps reduce equipment maintenance costs, extends its lifespan and reduces CO2 emissions. It also gives a good return on investment.
“The energy absorbed by the solar panels installed with this technology helps boost the stages of the central mechanism, thereby reducing the number of operating compressors at any one time. Given that Malta is blessed with 3,000 hours of unbroken sunshine a year, the technology is extremely cost-effective. The installation of this technology can also help Malta reach its renewable energy targets.”
Mr Aquilina said the equipment has several advantages over normal PV solar panels, including a smaller size and shorter investment payback. It would take some 13 PV panels to generate the same amount of energy as one Solar Cool unit.
Economy Minister Chris Cardona praised Angelo Aquilina and Golden Harvest for taking the courageous step to invest in the new technology. The private sector, he said, is taking an active role within the government’s competitiveness strategy. The equipment was giving these companies a competitive edge and was also helping Malta reach its 2020 renewable energy targets.
Dr Cardona said the country’s solar energy production capabilities are on par with that of other EU countries. He also mentioned the recent introduction of lower utility tariffs for businesses, which translated into a €50 million injection into the economy and said that, after the launch of the interconnector between Malta and Sicily, the next step is the gas pipeline project. The government is pledging to maintain the good economic momentum Malta is currently experiencing, he said.