From Mr A. Riolo

The Malta Resources Authority refers to the article regarding the proposal for a wind farm at Sikka l-Bajda (TMIS, 7 September). This article states that, with regard to near-shore wind farm development, “Experts had said that the near-shore sites of Malta and Gozo had been dismissed in the most shoddy and unscientific manner by the MRA.”

The Malta Resources Authority emphasises that this opinion, attributed to experts, is uninformed and incorrect.

In 2003, the Authority commissioned a study for the development of a Strategy for the Exploitation of Renewable Electricity in Malta. This study clearly identified Sikka il-Bajda as the preferred option for an offshore wind farm in relatively shallow water according to the best available technology, with Sikka l-Munxar as the second preferred option. The report included a high level statement of the advantages and disadvantages of that site (and others). The report in question by Mott MacDonald is available on the Authority’s website.

Following this consultant’s report and in line with Terms of References given to it, the Authority conducted a preliminary consultation covering the major public entities to obtain their specific reactions to a proposed wind farm at Sikka l-Bajda and other shallow water sites. Further to this, in 2006, the MRA carried out detailed consultations with key stakeholders to determine potential areas for offshore wind farm development in Maltese territorial waters, as well as the main impacts and constraints with the siting of such development. In both occasions, the Authority faithfully reported its findings on this subject.

I can assure you that the Authority carried out these assignments to the highest standards, and it did not rule out Sikka l-Bajda or other near-shore sites in “a shoddy unscientific manner” or otherwise.

Antoine Riolo

Chief Executive Officer

Malta Resources Authority