Congratulations to our teachers who have completed the Climate Early Teacher training and become Climate Change Ambassadors for their schools!...
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
Let’s Bike About: Pedal Towards a Greener Malta
The Bike About project seeks to increase the use of bicycles as part of our NGO work, to promote cycling and bicycle use amongst our volunteers, youth group and community, and to teach people the skill of cycling and bicycle repair.
Grim reapers protesting unbridled construction ahead of a National protest on 27 May
During a symbolic action this morning outside the Malta Developers’ Association (MDA) offices, activists highlighted how politicians, authorities and developers are burying our country under unbridled construction.
FoEM responds to the inclusion of the Melita TransGas pipeline as a European Project of Common Interest
In the picture, you can see Suzanne Maas standing in front of Delimara in the south of Malta, where the power...
Taking action and making connections for a Fossil Free Europe!
A small town outside of Zagreb, Samobor in Croatia, was the destination for over 20 European climate & gas campaigners...
Send a letter to the Minister: Climate Justice Now!
In this interconnected world, we have the power to be part of change. Your signature is indispensable to make climate...
Open call and opportunity for teachers and educators
FoEM’s Food, Agriculture & Biodiversity team has been busy getting students moving while reflecting on their own natural environment. As...
Throwback to Ċine’Ambjent Film Festival
February started with one of our most beloved events – Ċine’Ambjent Environmental Film Festival. It was the second time we...
13 500 objections against “Comino village” proposal
Public floods planning authority with over 13 500 objections against monstrous “Comino village” development proposal Plans to create a complex...
Ċine’Ambjent the Environmental Film Festival is back
Friends of the Earth Malta condemns the illegal roadworks at the iconic Blue Lagoon in Comino. This has become a worrying trend
Save Bees & Farmers petition presented to EU parliament
Friends of the Earth Malta condemns the illegal roadworks at the iconic Blue Lagoon in Comino. This has become a worrying trend