I write in reply to Ms Maria Pace of Zebbug, We need answers (TMID, 17 July).

Wind energy is one of the most cost-effective renewable energy technologies and is expected to contribute significantly to the country’s renewable energy target of 10 per cent by 2020.

The government is working towards the development of wind farm facilities in the short term. Current offshore wind farm technology is only suitable for shallow waters less than 30m depth.

Unlike northern countries such as Denmark, the availability of shallow waters in Malta is limited to a few reefs and coastal features that lie in the near shore. The government will be soon proposing to a close-to-shore wind farm project in the Maltese waters. Detailed studies that are required for this project will commence in the coming weeks.

The government has also earmarked e33 million from the 2007-2013 structural funds programme to intensify our national efforts to the take up of renewable energy technologies at a domestic and commercial sector.

Keith Galea

Communications Officer

Resources and Rural Affairs Ministry