The government has extended the 'Irrinova Darek' home renovation scheme to 16 localities in southern Malta, offering grants of up to €16,000 for energy-saving upgrades.

Justice Minister Jonathan Attard, together with Building and Construction Authority (BCA) CEO Roderick Bonnici, announced the extension of the 'Irrinova Darek' scheme to localities in the south of Malta.

During a press conference, it was announced that 16 localities in the south of Malta will be able to benefit from grants of up to €15,000 to carry out renovation works on their properties aimed at reducing energy consumption.

The grant may increase to €16,000 if solar panels or a heat-pump water heater are installed. For the installation of photovoltaic panels, co-financing stands at 50%, a government statement said.

Attard explained that since the scheme was launched in the Northern Region last year, around 2,200 applications were received, of which 1,900 were eligible to proceed to the second phase.

He said that applications which progressed to the second phase were directed to engage professionals, such as architects or engineers, who are also energy assessors registered with the Authority.

"This scheme is also intended to foster a new culture of sustainability, giving Maltese and Gozitan families the opportunity to live in homes they deserve, and which are energy-efficient and reduce the cost of living," Attard said.

He added that the scheme is aligned with Vision Malta 2050, helping the country meet European targets related to energy use and renewable energy.

"Through this scheme, government is continuing to deliver social justice, as it will benefit low-income families more," he said, noting that assistance for those receiving the In-Work Benefit can reach 90% of the total cost, and up to 75% for middle-income families.

"Works such as insulation, renewable energy systems and energy-efficiency improvements not only make homes more comfortable, but also increase the value of our families' properties," Attard said, while thanking the Authority and all those working towards more sustainable buildings.

BCA CEO Roderick Bonnici said that applications will be open from 19 January until 28 February and can only be submitted online through bca.gov.mt.

The scheme is open to homeowners and tenants, provided that the interventions improve the property's Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

He explained that eligible works include insulation, installation of renewable energy sources, installation of efficient lighting and air-conditioning systems, replacement of apertures with insulated ones, among others.

Bonnici said the works must be holistic and collectively lead to improvements in energy efficiency.

For this third call of 'Irrinova Darek', residents of Qormi, Żejtun, Birżebbuġa, Għaxaq, Gudja, Luqa, Ħamrun, Marsaxlokk, Marsaskala, Santa Venera, Santa Luċija, Xgħajra, Żabbar, Fgura, Paola and Tarxien may apply.

The scheme is spread over five years across the whole country, including Gozo, with a different region opening each year in accordance with the Local Councils Act, the statement said.

Several partners and mayors from the participating localities were also present at the conference.