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.
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
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.
World Water Day: Addressing Malta’s Water Crisis and Protecting Endangered Freshwater Ecosystems
As an NGO, Friends of the Earth Malta is a pioneer for change relating to waste management and initiating the implementation of long-term action plans to tackle waste issues.
Reflections from the Ulex Training on Strategy Making
As an NGO, Friends of the Earth Malta is a pioneer for change relating to waste management and initiating the implementation of long-term action plans to tackle waste issues.
The Aarhus Convention: Your Right to Know, Speak Up & Act for the Environment!
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.
Restructuring Solidarity: Update from the ‘Transformative Organising with Frontline Communities’ Training
From November 17th to 24th, Friends of the Earth Malta joined a group of 40 activists, advocates and organisers from around the world who gathered to attend a dynamic training on the practice of Transformative Organising, set in the idyllic mountainscapes of Lleida Catalunya, Spain.