A few weeks ago, Martina took part in the Young Friends of the Earth Europe (YFoEE) Gathering at the European Youth Centre in Budapest, Hungary. This event marked a turning point for the YFoEE network, which has been relatively inactive in recent years. Over four days, Young Friends of the Earth Members from across Europe came together to exchange ideas, strengthen their skills, and set the course for a renewed youth movement within Friends of the Earth, one that drives climate and environmental justice.
Community energy
Why community energy?
We believe public money should be invested in renewables (like solar and wind), energy savings and community energy. Energy saving, in buildings, operations and transport, is the cheapest and fastest way to reduce energy use and save money. We need to urgently increase our share of renewable energy – currently only 10% – to ensure we can cover our essential electricity needs in the short-term and become fully renewable powered in the future! Finally, we need to create a legal framework for renewable energy communities to enable citizens to supply, share and save energy and have a say about our energy system.
Community energy is what we stand for: citizen owned renewable energy projects that democratize our energy system. Together with partners we are working on the creation of the first Renewable Energy Community in Malta. Such initiatives are essential in the transition to renewable energy and the creation of a democratic and decentralized energy system.
Proposal on the first community energy cooperative in Malta
In May 2023 together with the Malta Cooperative Federation and with the support of REScoop.eu we presented a joint proposal to the Government of Malta to assist us with the creation of the first Renewable Energy Community (REC) in Malta. This will be in the form of a citizen-led co-operative, which will see ordinary residents and families generate energy collectively on a not-for-profit basis. This means that while there can be a small return on investment by members, profits are not the primary motivation. Instead, a majority of the returns are reinvested in the community’s activities.
The co-operative will give an opportunity to families, including those with no access to rooftops and/or at risk of energy poverty, to collectively own PV panels on public areas and to make decisions together on how to distribute any financial surpluses, with a view to open membership to more people and venture into other energy-related initiatives. RECs open up energy generation to communities rather than just for-profit companies. Furthermore, this proposal will assist the Government of Malta with its EU obligations with regards to RECs.
5 reasons to join the community energy revolution
Community energy is key to action on the climate crisis, boosting local economies, and reinvigorating communities.
Swipe the carousel to find out the benefits of community energy:
How to make it happen? This practical guide to reclaiming power will guide you through it, step by step.
Are you interested in staying updated or joining the first Maltese community energy project?
Climate publications
News
Supporting Young People with Climate Anxiety: From Overwhelm to Empowerment
In June 2025, a group of youth workers, mental health professionals, and environmental educators gathered in Friends of the Earth Malta Floriana office as part of the CALM-EY (Climate Anxiety Learning and Mental Health for European Youth) project. This training aimed to explore how professionals can better support young people experiencing climate anxiety, a growing emotional response to the ecological crisis.
Our feedback on Malta’s Social Climate Plan
The jagged cliffs of the island are home to the Yelkouan shearwaters (Puffinus Yelkouan, MT: Garnija). This species of seabird is a regional endemic, breeding only in the Mediterranean basin. Almost 10% of the total population nests on the Maltese Islands, of which around 150-220 pairs are estimated on Kemmuna.
Object to the Destructive Żabbar–Smart City Bypass Before It’s Too Late
An €8 million bypass in Żabbar threatens farmland, trees and heritage zones. Object before 13 June to protect our environment and stop this unnecessary destruction.
Malta’s Transport Future: Spotlight on Micromobility
Monday 16 September marked the start of European Mobility Week (EMW) – the European Commission’s yearly awareness-raising campaign on sustainable urban mobility. However, we observed complete radio silence from our government, when the urgency to promote sustainable mobility in Malta has never been greater.
Why We Oppose the Melita Gas Pipeline
The Aarhus Convention is an international treaty (agreement) that gives people and NGOs three key rights when it comes to environmental matters:
Access to Information – People have the right to know about pollution, land use, and environmental risks.
Public Participation – Citizens should have a say in decisions about major projects, policies, and laws.
Access to Justice – If authorities fail to protect the environment, people should be able to challenge them in court.
Explore the MICROMOBI Platform: Small Wheels, Big Change
The project is aimed to develop skills and raise awareness on the topic of micromobility, smallhuman or electric powered mobility devices suitable for short urban trips.
Seminar on Micromobility and the Future of Transport in Malta
The project is aimed to develop skills and raise awareness on the topic of micromobility, smallhuman or electric powered mobility devices suitable for short urban trips.
Can you fit climate emotions in a tool box?
European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) is a vital annual initiative aimed at promoting sustainable resource and waste management practices - Learn how Friends of the Earth Malta (FoEM) participated in this year's events!
Micromobility in Cyprus : Sharing Best Practices and Inspiring Change in Limassol
The project is aimed to develop skills and raise awareness on the topic of micromobility, smallhuman or electric powered mobility devices suitable for short urban trips.
International Zero Waste Day – What That Means for You
Clothing and textile businesses can do their part by designing products that are durable, repairable, and recyclable. They can make efforts to reduce production volumes, use sustainable materials, and minimise use of chemicals.
The MICROMOBI Toolkit: Empowering Sustainable Urban Transport
The project is aimed to develop skills and raise awareness on the topic of micromobility, smallhuman or electric powered mobility devices suitable for short urban trips.