National Energy Efficiency Action Plan aims for three per cent consumption cut by 2010

Friday, Nov 07, 2008

The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan tabled in Parliament last night during the budget speech aims to cut national energy consumption by three per cent come 2010 and by nine per cent by 2016.

The plan incorporates conservation measures introduced for the domestic sector – such as rebates on efficient appliances, solar water heaters, insulation subsidies and the promotion of energy saving lighting.

It also incorporates tertiary level measures – such as improvements in street lighting and public sector initiatives – and the industrial sector including support schemes for SMEs and new targets for government-owned enterprises.

Transport also figures into the equation through promotion of energy efficient driving and e-work or teleworking, green travel plans for the public sector and the promotion of electric vehicles.

Through the various initiatives, the government aims to cut energy consumption, which averages 4,196 gigawatt hours, by 126 GWh (or three per cent) by 2010 and by 378 GWh (nine per cent) by 2016. In terms of the domestic sector, the government scheme giving rebates on energy efficient appliances, which was terminated this year, was “very successful” with a rebate having been given with respect to some 45,000 appliances. In terms of expected annual consumption savings thanks to the scheme, the government cites a market transformation to energy efficient products, save for the case of air conditioners, where a large amount of cheap equipment imported from outside the EU with poor energy classifications having inundated the market.

Through the different rebates given on the purchase of solar water heaters, beginning in 2005 and continuing in 2009, the government proposed the measure to yield 27,000 installed units, in addition to an estimated 10,000 already installed by the end of 2007 – resulting in total annual savings of 13 GWh. But, the action plan notes, changes to Malta’s housing stock, in terms of the availability of roof space, in the future may lead to restrictions on penetration levels.

Microgeneration of electricity from renewable energy sources – through microwind and photovoltaic systems are not expected to exceed consumption savings of 7 GWh by 2016, unless the prices of PV systems fall dramatically.

The subsidising of roof insulation, meanwhile, is expected to yield minimal savings due to an anticipated low take up.

Source: Malta Independent Online