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.
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.
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.
Amidst news about heat waves, extreme weather events and climate chaos, it is easy to despair. However, there is nothing as powerful as collective action to show we are not alone and that solutions for a brighter future exist.
Friends of the Earth Malta is bringing together hopeful visions for Malta’s future in a zine ‘Imagining a Fossil Free Malta’ to share inspiration and calls to action
As the Erasmus+ funded project comes to its concluding months, in September Friends of the Earth Malta participated in the final transnational meeting of Blooming Schools hosted by Station Europe in Bucharest. The project aims to increase awareness and biodiversity especially in secondary schools by empowering young people to take action for nature.
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.
Malta is once again at the top of the list of a troubling trend: the fastest rise in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the European Union. According to Eurostat, Malta’s GHG emissions surged by 8.8% from the first quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024. The EU carbon emissions reduction target is -55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Malta’s target is already a minor contribution to that: -19% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. The recent news about Malta’s rising GHG emissions begs the question: how on earth does the government envision we reach that target in the coming 5 years?
Amidst news about heat waves, extreme weather events and climate chaos, it is easy to despair. However, there is nothing as powerful as collective action to show we are not alone and that solutions for a brighter future exist.
Friends of the Earth Malta is bringing together hopeful visions for Malta’s future in a zine ‘Imagining a Fossil Free Malta’ to share inspiration and calls to action
Vera, a dedicated environmental advocate here in Malta, recently attended the Climate Care Camp in Denmark and has come away with a wealth of insights and inspiration.
This week, in response to a public consultation (NL-0020-2024) from the the Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Regeneration of the Grand Harbour, Friends of the Earth Malta (FOEM) submitted their input regarding Guidelines for Catering Establishments on Food Containers and Beverage Cups.
Last week, we explored micromobility in Ljubljana! The capital of Slovenia is well known for its walking and cycling-friendly policies, as it boasts the largest pedestrianised urban area in Europe.
A renewable energy community is a group that is legally formed and operates based on voluntary participation. It is controlled by individuals or organizations who are located near renewable energy projects owned by the community. The members of this community can be individuals, small businesses, or local government bodies such as municipalities.
Amidst news about heat waves, extreme weather events and climate chaos, it is easy to despair. However, there is nothing as powerful as collective action to show we are not alone and that solutions for a brighter future exist.
Friends of the Earth Malta is bringing together hopeful visions for Malta’s future in a zine ‘Imagining a Fossil Free Malta’ to share inspiration and calls to action
Last week, we explored micromobility in Ljubljana! The capital of Slovenia is well known for its walking and cycling-friendly policies, as it boasts the largest pedestrianised urban area in Europe.
On World Bicycle Day on 3rd June, we hosted an Urban Cycling Skills Training, aimed at boosting the confidence of cyclists!
