A solar farm in Qrendi covering 5,000 square meters will produce one million kilowatt-hours per year by installing around 1,934 panels. The electricity generated is equivalent to that consumed by 250 households in our country.
Minister for Energy, Enterprise, and Sustainable Development Miriam Dalli visited the works being carried out on this solar farm built on reservoirs belonging to the Water Services Corporation.
“Today’s investment is another example of our commitment to implement what we say. The consumer remains at the centre of our work whilst encouraging businesses to participate in the generation of electricity in the Maltese and Gozitan islands,” said Minister Dalli.
The Qrendi solar farm is one of two Malta Energy Ltd projects, a joint venture between the Water Services Corporation and the Chamber of SMEs. The Minister explained how this project is a typical example where the pillars of energy, enterprise, and sustainable development come together.
Malta Energy was set up to temporarily take over government entities’ premises, such as reservoir roofs, and convert them into solar farms, whilst maintaining the balance so that both SMEs and larger companies can participate. At the same time, the Corporation is making the best use of its spaces.
Other similar work is being done on other reservoirs in Ta’ Ċenc Gozo. The construction of these solar farms was awarded through a competitive tender, and the winning bidders will effectively own and operate the plant and will receive payment from the company according to production.
In all, there will be a total of five reservoirs being used to generate clean energy: four of them are located in Ta’ Ċenc, Gozo, and one in Qrendi. Together they will be generating a total of about three million kWh per year.
As a long-term strategy, Malta Energy plans to expand its operations in areas outside the Water Services Corporation facilities and provide added value to the entity hosting the installations, such as charging electric vehicles.
“Clean energy production is a priority for this Government, and we will continue to invest further in clean energy,” concluded Minister Dalli.
Present for the visit were also WSC CEO Ivan Falzon and Chamber of SMEs President Paul Abela.