Government failures reflected in EU rankings on renewable energy - PN
'Systematic failure of Robert Abela’s government in energy and climate policy'
Updated 2.48pm with PL statement
Maltese government failures on key projects were reflected in Malta placing last in the European Union scoreboard on renewable energy usage, the PN said on Tuesday.
It observed that according to Eurostat, only 16% of all electricity generated in Malta came from renewable sources - significantly lower than the European average of 47%.
The Eurostat scoreboard on the share of energy from renewable sources."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 party 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. 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.
"The government’s failure to deliver on what it has promised over the past 13 years means that Malta remains dependent on fossil fuels and landfills, instead of moving towards a modern and sustainable system as befits a modern European country in 2026."
The PN also noted recent figures showing that Malta is the only country in the EU where emissions intensity has worsened since 2013.
"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," it said.
The statement was signed by Eve Borg Bonello, shadow minister for climate change and Mark Anthony Sammut, shadow minister for energy and water conservation.
Labour government 'significant' track record
The Labour Party rebutted the PN's claims, pointing out that the last Nationalist legislature had left renewables at a “miserable” 2.8 per cent.
The PL added that this figure has now risen to 17.2 per cent, insisting that the Labour government had “significantly improved” Malta’s renewable energy performance.
“This progress will continue in the years ahead,” the PL said.