Wind energy could supply around 4% of gross energy consumption if three projects totalling 109MW go ahead, its National Renewable Energy Action Plan says.
That is a big if. Resource assessment and environmental impact studies are needed at all three sites, as is a detailed site study for a 95MW near-shore project. Public objections to onshore wind are also a concern. In addition, Malta's isolated grid could not support the 109MW of wind power as it stands, the plan says, though capacity should increase once the new 200MW interconnection with Sicily is in place.
Given these uncertainties, the government acknowledges that its plan is quite aggressive. As a fall-back, it recommends Malta start negotiations with other member states regarding joint projects and joint support schemes in order to meet its 2020 targets.
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