Malta must urgently scale up locally generated renewable energy to safeguard jobs and national security, ADPD Chairperson Sandra Gauci said.

In a statement Monday, Gauci criticised the government's continued focus on electricity interconnectors, arguing that this approach masks insufficient investment in domestic renewable sources.

"The government is relying on interconnectors to cover up the fact that Malta is not generating enough renewable energy locally," she said, noting that a third interconnector has been announced before the second is even completed.

Gauci warned that dependence on imported electricity exposes Malta to rising costs driven by international crises and carbon taxes, while limiting job creation in Malta and Gozo. She acknowledged the need for European grid connections but insisted that renewable energy development is progressing too slowly.

She also highlighted Malta's failure to update its legislation in line with Directive (EU) 2023/2413, which aims for 42.5% renewable energy across the EU by 2030. Malta's lower 25% target, she argued, reflects a lack of ambition.

"Renewable energy guarantees greater sovereignty and stability in uncertain times," Gauci said, urging long-term investment over short-term, populist measures.