Nearly 50 participants delved into the real Story of Plastics, discussing fears, hopes, and actions essential for addressing the plastic...
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.
Proposal for a Community Energy Co-op Initiative
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
FoEM response to the Air Quality Plan published by ERA
Overall, we are glad to see the development of this Air Quality Plan for a main urbanized area of Malta...
Response to consultation on the National Cycling Strategy
In collaboration, three local NGOs – Rota, Friends of the Earth Malta, and Moviment Graffitti – have prepared the below...
Say NO to the gas pipeline – don`t reward corruption and pollution
Corruption, assassination, and environmental destruction are keywords associated with the Electrogas power station and the Melita TransGas pipeline that Malta...
Which road leads to a multi-modal transport system?
FoE Malta is dismayed to see the ban on shared e-scooters, which represents the latest casualty in the field of shared...
#NoGasPipeline to Malta! Sign the letter to decision makers
Have you heard about the corrupt Electrogas deal and the fossil gas pipeline that might replace the LNG tanker? The...
Civil society groups condemn the approval of the Msida Creek Project
In collaboration, three local NGOs – Rota, Moviment Graffitti and Friends of the Earth Malta – have prepared the below...
Feedback on the draft National Policy for Offshore Renewable Energy
Last week, Friends of the Earth Malta submitted their comments and feedback to the draft National Policy for the Deployment...
Civil society comment on Fossil Fuel Finance Policy of European Bank (EBRD)
Today, 130 civil society organizations from more than 40 countries have launched a statement calling on the European Bank for...
The time for real climate action is now!
Amidst a heatwave with temperatures above 40 °C for days, and debilitating power cuts across the Maltese Islands, the message...
‘Towards a Fossil Free Malta’ report launched!
As part of our climate campaign, we have been working on a report compiling information about Malta’s energy system and...
A Renewable Energy Community in Malta?
In May, we organised a screening of the documentary ‘We the Power’ and a discussion on Community Energy together with...