Friends of the Earth Malta is looking for a researcher to write a report on community energy in Malta. This research is part of our ‘People Power Up’ project, powering up our work on community energy and contributing to the set up of the first renewable energy community in Malta.
Objective of the research and the report
The objective of this research report is to analyse the barriers and potential of community energy, and guide the creation of renewable energy communities in Malta.
The study will be based on data and information from a literature review, as well as empirical data from interviews with local stakeholders, and analysis of the results of a public survey conducted on the topic of community energy in Malta. The report should be between 15-20 pages and tackle the following topics:
- An overview of policy and legislation, in the EU and in Malta
- An overview of public awareness and understanding of the concept in Malta
- A high level assessment of the potential of community energy in Malta
- An overview of proposed governance structures and financing models
- An analysis of existing barriers to community energy in Malta, and recommendations for how to overcome them
- A brief case study showcasing the learnings from the setting up of a renewable energy cooperative in another Mediterranean island (Coure, clean energy communities in Menorca)
The report will conclude with tangible steps and recommendations for the setting up of a renewable energy community in Malta.
The report will be researched and compiled by the researcher, with the support and supervision of Dr Suzanne Maas, Climate Campaign Coordinator at Friends of the Earth Malta, who is leading the organisation’s work on community energy.
Timeline: The research project will start in September 2024 and the report will need to be delivered by the end of January 2025, with a launch event planned for February 2025.
Budget: The budget for this research project is €3000 (incl. VAT).
Qualifications:
- Background in renewable energy studies, environmental science, or related fields.
- Experience in research and policy analysis.
- Strong analytical and writing skills.
- Based in Malta, for interviews and research activities.
Application Process:
Interested researchers should submit the following:
- CV
- A brief cover letter outlining their approach to the research.
- A sample of previous research work.
Submission Deadline: Friday 6 September 2024.
Send your application by filling in the online application form by 6th September 2024. Eligible candidates will be invited to an interview (either in person or online) the following week. Friends of the Earth’s recruitment and selection procedure is firmly based on equal opportunities best practices.
About community energy
Renewable energy communities are citizen-owned and democratic organisations that work on common renewable energy or energy efficiency projects. Renewable energy communities enable households and families to generate energy collectively on a not-for-profit basis. A renewable energy cooperative can give an opportunity to people who do not have access to rooftops and/or who are at risk of energy poverty, to collectively own PV panels on public or private rooftops 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. Profits are not the primary motivation, instead most of the returns are reinvested in the community’s activities. Energy communities thus do not only increase the share of renewables, but also democratise the energy system. The potential of community energy is recognised and promoted by the EU, most notably through the Renewable Energy Directive, which defines renewable energy communities and sets an obligation for member states to create an enabling framework for community energy.
The ‘People Power Up’ project by Friends of the Earth Malta is supported by the Malta Environment Foundation.
Find out more about our work on Community Energy here: https://foemalta.org/our-campaigns/climate-overview/community-energy/