Earlier last month, Malta hosted a landmark stakeholder event in conjunction with the Clean Energy Transition Partnership (CETP) Annual General Meeting at the historic Villa Bighi. The CETP is a European initiative that brings together national and regional research and innovation programmes to accelerate the development of clean energy technologies. By funding collaborative transnational projects, CETP helps drive innovation across sectors, supporting the EU's goal of climate neutrality through coordinated, impactful research efforts.

Collaboration at the heart of clean energy transition

This event brought together a diverse group of local and international researchers, policymakers, innovators and entrepreneurs with the common and shared aim of accelerating the clean energy transition through collaboration, research, and smart investment. The importance of Malta's membership of this Partnership cannot be overstated. The CETP is not merely a funding mechanism. It is a dynamic platform for transnational collaboration aimed at bringing clean energy innovations from lab to market more rapidly and effectively. It aligns perfectly with major European policies such as the European Green Deal, the Fit-for-55 package and the provisions of the Renewable Energy Directive. For Malta, CETP is helping us turn strategy into tangible results.

Ambitious goals in Malta's energy plan

Our updated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) outlines ambitious but necessary goals, most notably, achieving a 25% renewable energy share by 2030. This exceeds our previous targets and reflects our determination to contribute meaningfully to the EU's 55% greenhouse gas reduction target by the same year. Malta's recent international call for proposals for the development of its first offshore floating wind farm is a pioneering step. This initiative will serve as a testing ground for future large-scale projects, while contributing directly to our clean energy capacity and knowledge base.

A small island with big ambitions

This event was, however, more than just another gathering, but was also a strong signal of our nation's readiness and willingness to be at the forefront of Europe's clean energy revolution. As a small island state, Malta faces unique challenges in achieving climate neutrality. Yet, we also see these challenges as opportunities to contribute significantly and lead in niche areas such as offshore renewable energy, energy storage and smart systems. Our strategic location at the heart of the Mediterranean, and our agile, innovation-driven research community, make us well positioned to act as a bridge between regions, ideas and technologies.

Energy transition must be local and inclusive

However, there is another side to the coin, because we strongly believe that the energy transition must also be local and inclusive. That's why the government has recently launched the Renewable Energy Systems Household Grants Scheme. With over €10 million in funding, this programme will empower Maltese and Gozitan families to adopt photovoltaic systems, battery storage and other renewable technologies. Designed with accessibility and long-term sustainability in mind, the scheme includes streamlined applications, stable feed-in tariffs and enhanced support for residents of Gozo.

Malta's role in European and global collaboration

But still, no single country can transform its energy future in isolation. International collaboration is essential, and that's where CETP is truly transformative. Malta, through Xjenza Malta, has committed €3.5 million to support Maltese participation in CETP's Transnational Joint Calls. Xjenza Malta has already awarded €430,000 to projects involving Maltese researchers that are developing tools to help grid operators prevent power outages, as well as building a smart energy platform using AI and blockchain to support affordable and sustainable energy use in communities. These initiatives are helping to integrate our talent with cutting-edge European research, opening doors to long-term collaboration and impact.

Xjenza Malta: driving innovation beyond energy

Xjenza Malta, our national agency for research and innovation, plays a pivotal role in these efforts. With a current total funding portfolio of €10.5 million, it drives participation in Horizon Europe Partnerships and maintains bilateral collaborations with countries like China, Turkey and Italy. Beyond energy, its thematic scope also includes health innovation, the sustainable blue economy, digital transformation, aviation and cultural heritage. Xjenza Malta is actively nurturing the networks and capacities that will define Malta's future as a research and innovation hub

A launchpad for long-term collaboration

The CETP Stakeholder Event illustrated the power of face-to-face engagement between local and international stakeholders. These moments of dialogue among peers and across borders are where truly transformative ideas are born. The conversations held at Villa Bighi reflected a deep commitment to the kind of science-driven collaboration that Europe needs in order to meet its climate goals.

Looking ahead: Malta's lasting commitment

As Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation, I see the value of creating opportunities where researchers, businesses and policymakers can exchange knowledge and align their visions. Events like these are not endpoints, but launchpads for lasting partnerships and bold initiatives. Let us seize this moment and continue to connect across disciplines and borders on so many topics. Malta may be small in size, but we are mighty in ambition, and resolute in our commitment to a clean, sustainable and innovative energy future.

Keith Azzopardi Tanti is Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation