As of next week, voluntary organisations can apply in a third call for solar panels, the government said.
With an investment of €160,000, eligible applicants can apply to benefit from the free installation of 12 or 24 PV panels on their property.
The scheme was extended as a result of its initial success, where a total of €1 million were allocated.
61 voluntary organisations have already benefited from this scheme. Following two successful calls, a third call is being launched so that more organisations can operate sustainably.
This scheme is operated by the Regulator for Energy and Water Services in conjunction with the Office for Voluntary Organisations, the Energy and Water Agency and the Office of the Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development.
During a visit to the Mqabba football ground, Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development Miriam Dalli, together with the Parliamentary Secretary for Sport, Recreation and Voluntary Organisations Clifton Grima highlighted the support offered by the government, in support of this transition.
“As we have seen through previous calls, voluntary organisations from various sectors are seen as an example to others. Through this scheme, organisations are not only reducing their electricity bills, but are also doing their part for the protection of the environment. Therefore, I encourage more voluntary organisations to come forward and be part of this sustainable transition as our country increases its use of renewable energy”, said Minister Dalli.
The minister also further encouraged collaboration amongst entities, where planning and support lead to positive results.
Parliamentary Secretary Clifton Grima said that this call was a result of enthusiasm shown by various voluntary organisations, and that “This initiative will see more voluntary organisations benefiting from cheaper electricity bills, which means more funds for the community”.
The parliamentary secretary explained that through this initiative the government is engaging the voluntary concept with that of the environment, where, through the use of solar panels, voluntary organisations can gain a better environment and more funds invested within the community.
Through this scheme, Malta will be targeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as this project aims to meet three SDGs:
● SDG7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
● SDG11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
● SDG13 – Climate Action
Permanent Secretary Anthony Gatt, EWA Chief Executive Mr Manuel Sapiano, Regulator for the Energy and Water Services Eng. Marjohn Abela, and Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations Mr Jesmond Saliba were also present at this conference.
A notice will be published on the Government Gazette next Tuesday, as applications will be open as of Wednesday 29th September at 10am until the 29th October at noon. Applications can be downloaded from the Regulator for Energy and Water Services (REWS) website.