Friends of the Earth Malta (FoEM) is thankful for the opportunity to provide feedback on the Grand Harbour Revival Plan, and are encouraged to see a number of important considerations already discussed in the plan, such as concerns around gentrification, the importance of climate resilient design, and the necessity of securing public access to the waterfront and proposed park. We believe the plan can do more to protect and bring back nature into this urban and industrial landscape, and can be an opportunity to provide safe, direct and attractive connectivity for walking, cycling and public transport through this key node in Malta’s transport network and urban area.
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.
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Climate publications
News
FoEM’s Feedback on Malta’s Energy Shift
Friends of the Earth Malta (FoEM) is thankful for the opportunity to provide feedback on the Grand Harbour Revival Plan, and are encouraged to see a number of important considerations already discussed in the plan, such as concerns around gentrification, the importance of climate resilient design, and the necessity of securing public access to the waterfront and proposed park. We believe the plan can do more to protect and bring back nature into this urban and industrial landscape, and can be an opportunity to provide safe, direct and attractive connectivity for walking, cycling and public transport through this key node in Malta’s transport network and urban area.
Watch Nature Unfold Live: A Rare Barn Swallow Nesting
Friends of the Earth Malta is excited to announce a special collaboration with BirdLife Malta, bringing nature enthusiasts, families, and...
How much of your life are you wasting in traffic?
After weeks of discussions on transport proposals in the run up to the elections, the potential of cycling was hugely...
Malta’s seas are not a playground for oil giants
It may be a repeating election gimmick, but Friends of the Earth Malta denounces the Maltese government’s decision to once again open the door to fossil fuel exploration in our waters, by giving oil giant Chevron a licence for exploratory studies for oil and gas.
Streets for People, Not Just Cars: NGOs Urge Rethink of Msida Bridge Plans
Friends of the Earth Malta, Moviment Graffitti and Rota strongly condemn the recent proposal to build a pedestrian bridge as part of the Msida Creek project. The NGOs noted that similar proposals to build pedestrian bridges as part of the original plans for the project in 2020 had been shot down for a multitude of reasons.
Dwejra is to be lit up: Government’s “Protection” Law Is a Blatant Betrayal of Dwejra and a Fraud on the Public
The undersigned organisations condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the destructive bill drafted by government under the pretence of “protecting” Dwejra. This law does not protect Dwejra. It vandalises it. It is a calculated assault on the last remaining dark site of the Maltese Islands, dressed up in green language to hoodwink the public.
Environmental NGOs bring the sustainability initiative to the island, working with restaurants and the community to increase planet-conscious options
This February, restaurants and community spaces across Malta are coming together to show how everyday food choices can become powerful climate action. Through shared tables, familiar flavours, and environmentally-friendly creativity, the Eat for Impact initiative is demonstrating how local decisions can generate measurable global environmental benefits.
Waste Reduction Before Incineration
In response to the very thorough article written by Denis Zammit Cutajar, on 25th January entitled “A golden opportunity to rethink the waste-management strategy,” I would like to thank the author, and reiterate many of the same points. We should take this opportunity to reevaluate the need for a large incinerator on Malta.
Streets for People, Not Just Cars: NGOs Urge Rethink of Msida Bridge Plans
Friends of the Earth Malta, Moviment Graffitti and Rota strongly condemn the recent proposal to build a pedestrian bridge as part of the Msida Creek project. The NGOs noted that similar proposals to build pedestrian bridges as part of the original plans for the project in 2020 had been shot down for a multitude of reasons.
Malta gears up to ‘Eat for Impact’ to lower nationwide environmental footprint in February
Environmental NGOs bring the sustainability initiative to the island, working with restaurants and the community to increase planet-conscious options
Press Release: Are we prepared for more storms like Harry?
Storm Harry hit our islands hard yesterday. Gale force winds and 12-meter-high waves out at sea caused flooding and damage, especially in low-lying coastal towns like Marsascala. Thankfully no lives were lost in this storm, but there was a glaring lack of preparation to deal with the storm and protect communities.