The government has requested information to connect Malta to the European energy grid through which Malta will be in a position to purchase energy whenever needed, Investments, Industry and IT Minister Austin Gatt said yesterday.

Speaking during a visit to Enemalta`s Kappara distribution centre, Dr Gatt said the international request for information was the first step towards the final target of being connected to the energy grid of mainland Europe enabling Malta to buy energy from any European country.

Dr Gatt said this was the best solution for the country and would ensure that Malta reached all the European Union’s targets in this regard, especially in terms of emissions.

The minister also spoke about the tendering process for the provision of natural gas for the power stations. He said that it was envisaged that in about seven to 10 years, natural gas would be the main means to produce electricity, producing cleaner energy.

During a visit to the photovoltaic installation at the Enemalta distribution centre, Dr Gatt said that Enemalta was leading in the field of methods of producing alternative energy.

Enemalta chairman Alex Tranter explained that the company had installed 15 solar panels which produced around 200 watts each with a maximum output which was probably enough to supply an average household with electricity, making it self-sufficient. Moreover, he explained, Enemalta was also monitoring temperature and wind speed to analyse further the performance of these photovoltaic panels. Engineer Tranter said Enemalta was leading by example and said that any household could install such panels to provide it with alternative energy.