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.
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
Lack of public participation in Malta’s NECP process
Friends of the Earth Malta (FoEM) expresses its serious concerns regarding the lack of participation for citizens and civil society in the draft and final National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) of Malta. These plans are an obligation on EU Member States to outline how they intend to address decarbonisation, energy efficiency, energy security and the internal energy market, as well as research, innovation and competitiveness in the energy sector, to meet the European Union 2030 targets for energy and climate. The deadline for governments to submit their final NECP is 30 June 2024, in just 9 days.
Micromobility? What’s that?
Micromobility encompasses most small one-person vehicles that operate at low speeds and are not gas-powered, from active modes like walking and cycling to skateboards, electric bicycles, kick scooters, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters.
Rethinking Mobility: insights from our micromobility workshop
Our recent workshop, “The Way We Move,” held on March 27th at the FoEM Green Resource Center, sparked a lively...
Call for Participation: Climate Care Camp
The summer camp “Compass for Climate Chaos” is happening from the 20th of June (evening) until the 24th of June (afternoon) in Teglværksvej 30, 4420 Regstrup, Denmark. From eco-anxiety, anger or grief to hope, joy and empowerment, the camp will be about learning to navigate in emotions you feel in the climate chaos.
EU Parliament votes to leave the climate-wrecking Energy Charter Treaty
Today, the European Parliament adopted the EU’s proposal to leave the controversial Energy Charter Treaty (ECT), an international trade agreement protecting fossil fuel investments. The Energy Charter Treaty is a significant obstacle to enacting national policies to combat climate change. After years of campaigning for an exit, Friends of the Earth Europe and climate justice activists across Europe celebrate this victory for the environment and the climate.
Wrapping up the adventures of our Bike About project
As the wheels of the Bike About project come to a gentle halt, it’s time to reflect on the journey...
DISPLACEMENT, A Collective Performance About Climate Migration
DISPLACEMENT MALTA is a site-specific version of Displacement realized for the opening of Malta Biennale of Art 2024.
Displacement MALTA is directed by the visual artist and choreographer Andrea Conte (Andreco) and the Studio Andreco with the support of Friend of the Earth Malta and the Malta Biennale.
Call for Participation: Climate Migration Performance
Friends of the Earth Malta is excited to collaborate with Andreco Studio and maltabiennale.art 2024 on DISPLACEMENT, a collective performative action directed by the visual artist and choreographer Andreco. The performance is dedicated to the consequences of water-related climate changes.
Micromobility revolution begins
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.