In the context of its activities within the Enerscapes project, a transnational project is co-funded by the European Commission through the MED programme, MIEMA has organise on 15 June 2012 a public consultation seminar on the impact of Renewable Energy Sources, particularly photovoltaic systems, on the Maltese landscape.
The Maltese landscape is a very sensitive one due to the very small size of the country, high population density, hence built-up area, and the large number of environmentally protected sites. On the other hand, as a country we are bound to consider Renewable Energy Sources (RES) as the most sustainable way to generate energy. Whichever RES option we opt for will have its own environmental impact, but what we have to do is to try to minimise such impact whilst at the same time securing a sustainable energy source. And as the landscape belongs to us all, the energy policy and territorial planning decisions should follow a strong participatory process.
The seminar aimed at presenting and getting feedback on a number of different scenarios related to the installation of PV systems in the Maltese context. The considered scenarios range from full continuation of the current provisions and incentives for PV systems installation, on to the best environmental option and on to the best technical option for the installation of PV systems. The Public Participation Scenario Assessment document further explains all scenarios put forward for consideration.To highlight the numerous perspectives that need to be taken into consideration in respect to RES, and PV systems in particular, a number of presentations were also delivered by representatives of the main Maltese stakeholders in the field. All these can be accessed following the hyperlinks below.
Ms. Diane Cassar, MIEMA
The EU energy policy targets for Malta and local RES strategies for fulfilment
Ing. Godwin Sant, Malta Resources Authority
Environmental aspects of locating RES systems
Alex Camilleri, Malta Environment and Planning Authority
Technical issues and developments in local PV systems
Prof. Ing. Cyril Spiteri Staines, University of Malta
The potential of battery energy storage for grid connected domestic RES
Prof. Joseph Cilia, University of Malta
Socio-economic aspects of RES systems
Eur. Ing. Charles Yousif, Institute for Sustainable Energy
Scenarios for PV effects on the landscape
Perit Vincent Magri
All those that could not attend the seminar but would like to express their preference for a specific scenario and provide their comments on such, may do so by reviewing and answering this semi-open questionnaire leaflet (in English or Maltese). The replies can be then sent by email to info@miema.org or diane.cassar@miema.org under Subject: Enerscapes public consultation.
