The reports that the government is seeking a new short-term gas supply agreement is of concern. Each and every international crisis highlights our country's vulnerability in the energy sector, ADPD the Green Party said Thursday,

Chairperson Sandra Gauci insisted that although no international crisis is of the government's making, this situation underlines once again a fundamental failure, a failure to plan long-term. Energy policy cannot continue to be shaped by burning billions of Euros in subsidies to all and sundry when yet another crisis crops up.

"Malta's over-reliance on imported fossil fuels leaves it acutely vulnerable to international crises. As global events have shown, fluctuations in oil and gas markets can rapidly translate into higher costs and economic instability for small, import-dependent countries like Malta. The so-called solution of relying on interconnectors has proven to be a false promise. While connection to the European grid is a must, this does not translate automatically into cheap electricity. A forward-looking energy strategy must therefore prioritise resilience, sustainability and independence. Renewable energy is the only credible long-term solution." 

ADPD-The Green Party Deputy Chairperson Carmel Cacopardo said: "We do not like saying 'we told you so', but the writing has been on the wall for ages, investment in solar and wind energy, energy storage systems, and improved grid infrastructure would significantly reduce Malta's dependence on imported fuels. Expanding renewable energy generation not only reduces emissions substantially but also shields our economy from external shocks, stabilises energy costs, and strengthens national security and energy sovereignty."

ADPD-The Green Party has consistently proposed a comprehensive energy policy centred on decentralised renewable generation, community energy projects, and serious investment in energy efficiency. Energy policy is also environmental policy, economic policy and industrial policy. The Father Christmas season of silly promises will not get us anywhere.