Malta’s first solar pavement will be installed as part of the Għeriexem project in Rabat, Infrastructure Minister Ian Borg announced on Thursday.

This technology is set to power 40% of this road’s lighting with renewable energy. The 40-square-metre solar footpath of the Gheriexem promenade will include between 30 to 40 photovoltaic panels that can generate over 4,600 kWh of electricity every year, saving 21 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

The concept of solar pavements is one that is being introduced in several other countries. For Malta, this will the first step for the development of more photovoltaic footpaths and cycle lanes in the future, the ministry said.

Borg said this initiative will be marking another step forward towards more sustainability and improving people’s quality of life.

"This is a progressive government that sees that our country remains up to date with other countries, even in terms of technology. Therefore, we will be working to introduce the first solar pavement in Malta. We also felt that it was appropriate to introduce this incentive for the first time in this project. We are aware that this project means so much for the Rabat community especially for those families who live in this area. These families were in a state of despair and something had to be done. With courage, we addressed this problem that had been left unsolved for years, we listened to these people and through Infrastructure Malta’s continuous work, the project is now well underway and these families are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” the minister said.