Malta has once again ranked last in the European Union in terms of renewable energy usage, with only 16% of all electricity generated in our country coming from renewable sources, the Nationalist Party said Tuesday..

The latest figures published by the EU's statistics agency Eurostat reveal that our country continues to lag behind in renewable energy. Malta's 16% is significantly lower than the European average of 47%, highlighting the Government's lack of will or effort to transition towards clean energy.

While countries such as Denmark, Austria and Portugal are moving ahead with investment and clear vision, Malta remains stuck at the bottom of the ranking. This is not a coincidence but a direct result of years of delays, inaction and lack of political direction, the PN said.

"The government has consistently failed to advance offshore renewable energy projects, particularly wind energy, despite this being today the largest source of renewable energy in Europe. Instead of taking concrete decisions, the Government has continued to commission study after study which lead nowhere," the party added.

At the same time, the waste-to-energy project remains stalled, following years of poor management, failed tenders and serious concerns regarding governance throughout the process.

Recent figures have already shown that Malta is the only country in the EU where emissions intensity has worsened since 2013. While all other countries are moving forward, Malta is going backwards. This further confirms the systematic failure of Robert Abela's Government in energy and climate policy. The consequences of this are clear: Higher emissions and environmental damage; increased pressure on families and businesses as European obligations rise and a less competitive economy compared to other countries

At a time when the rest of Europe is advancing, Malta cannot afford to fall behind. Our country urgently needs: A clear and immediate plan for diversified renewable energy, including offshore wind; the implementation of the waste-to-energy plant, with full transparency and accountability and a long-term strategy that goes beyond short-term solutions and aligns with European targets, the PN said.

In reply, the Labour Party said that under the last Nationalist government renewable energy generated in Malta was "at a miserable 2.8%".

Thanks to the work and incentives introduced by a Labour Government, that figure has now risen to 17.2%, as confirmed by Eurostat itself through its "SHARES" system, published last December.

In fact, Malta's target for 2030 has been revised and is now set to reach 25%. This target was updated after the original target was already surpassed. A Labour Government has significantly improved Malta's renewable energy performance, and this progress will continue in the years ahead, the PL said.