Leo Brincat, Labour Party Spokesperson for the Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change of Malta, said that the operators in the renewable energy sector have doubts on the Government’s plans for wind energy, as it is now focused on solar power.
Mr. Brincat said that the Government’s focus on solar energy is related to seemingly unfeasible proposed offshore wind farm at Mellieħa. Recently, he also expressed his concerns over the Government’s commitment to the renewable energy, after the environmental impact assessment of Sikka l-Bajda offshore wind farm was completed, but the government had not issued a statement regarding the issue.
“My suspicion is that the renewable targets were not met last year and are unlikely to be met this year… Malta is doomed to languish in the EU’s relegation zone of renewable energy targets,” Mr.Brincat is quoted by the Malta Times news site as saying.
He added that his Government will hold on to the EU targets for renewables, but the energy mix will be changed.
However, the Government dismissed those claims and said that studies are still in motion to determine the feasibility of an offshore wind farm.
[mappress]
Offshore WIND Staff, November 14, 2012; Image: mrra