[WATCH] US Embassy goes green with new PV and wind turbine project

US Ambassador Gina Abercrombie Winstanley inaugurates new solar and wind energy project in its premises • Video by Ray Attard

The US Embassy in Malta has inaugurated a new photovoltaic and wind turbine project to support the global effort to produce more renewable energy. 

The US Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley inaugurated the project earlier today together with environment minister Leo Brincat and representative of the Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations David Shaffer, who also participated in the groundbreaking ceremony.

Abercrombie-Winstanley said that the project would see the installation of a 350-kilowatt(kW) solar photovoltaic (PV) installation project on the embassy grounds.

“The project will also include a small wind turbine and a solar pool heater to produce energy all year-round and make the most of Malta’s abundant sunshine,” she said.

She added that the embassy would also be setting up tents in the parking area to reduce the use of air conditioners in cars particularly in the summer months.

“The embassy is a clear example of the US government’s strong commitment to minimize our environmental footprint in Malta abd to be a responsible custodian of this land,” Abercrombie- Winstanley said explaining that the department of state had contracted Solar Solutions Ltd. to complete the project by March 2016.

Environment minister Leo Brincat hailed the embassy for utilising spaces within its precincts to stress the importance of renewable energy sources.

“In a sun drenched island like Malta, it pays to go solar, whether we are thinking in terms of one off initiatives of much larger scale solar farms,” Brincat said adding that even wind turbine projects were commendable where they were feasible.

Brincat stressed that renewables and energy efficiency are the best ingredients to help address climate change targets and objectives, although they had played a marginal role in most countries’ energy planning.

“For the first time renewable energy is now entering the market at a scale that is relevant in energy industry terms,” Brincat said adding that 9% of the world’s electricity in 2014 was attributed to renewables.

“The fall in prices for solar panels has only served to facilitate a scale up of renewable energy even in developing countries. On renewables, particularly on solar energy, Malta must realise that the future is now,” he added, reiterating that the development of a green economy can translate into long term economic gain through cost savings while helping living standards to grow.

Speaking to those at the event, Shaffer said that the Overseas Buildings Operations was making considerable efforts at US embassies around the globe.

“US embassies represent the best in American architecture, engineering , technology, sustainability, art, culture and construction execution.”