Four years on: A shift in environment and energy policy

Four years into this legislature and a look back reveals a series of decisions that point to a shift in priorities in the environment and energy sectors.

The emphasis has increasingly moved towards how land is used, how resources are managed, how infrastructure is prepared for future needs.

A notable shift has occurred in the creation of open spaces. The Environment Ministry alone completed 70 green projects.

These are projects that reflect an understanding that environmental quality is tied to how spaces are maintained and integrated into everyday life.

Even more significant is the shift in how certain sites are being reconsidered. Areas earmarked for development are now being completely re-evaluated. The plans for White Rocks, Manoel Island and Fort Campbell reflect government’s choice to reconsider the decisions of the past and prioritise public access and the environment.

Spaces such as Bengħajsa in Birżebbuġa, Wied Inċita in Attard, and a number of gardens, valleys, and squares across different localities have been transformed into accessible green areas. Their scale may vary when viewed individually, yet their cumulative effect is far more meaningful for the people who visit them and live in their proximity. 

Our attention is also turning towards more complex, forward-looking initiatives. We are not intimidated by the scale or difficulty of projects such as the Grand Harbour Revival Plan. The intention is to introduce elements that support public access and create varied opportunities.

Advancements within the water sector exemplify an interconnected facet of environmental policy. The Water Services Corporation is implementing a strategy that includes significant financial commitments to service infrastructure. The work by the corporation has already resulted in improved water quality and increased operational efficiency. It further integrated sustainability measures, particularly through green financing and renewable energy installations at operational sites. The New Water Initiative, which converts treated wastewater into a resource for agriculture, reflects a circular approach to resource management.

The waste sector is another area where we have seen significant results. A reduction of around 30% in black bag waste suggests a shift in behaviour towards greater separation and recycling. Sites previously associated with waste management are now being turned into open spaces. The current work to transform the Sant’Antnin facility in Marsaskala into a public park is one example of how environmental remediation and community use can intersect.

These changes are supported by a broader system that includes improved waste collection, expanded civic amenity sites, and the introduction of reuse centres.

Over the past years, energy policy has faced a number of outside pressures including a pandemic and geopolitical instability. But the decision to keep energy prices stable in our country is a promise we made to the people and that we continue to deliver on.

We are focused on strengthening distribution and diversifying our energy sources. We’re currently implementing a nine-year plan to improve the electricity distribution network. Additional interconnection capacity between Malta and Gozo is being developed, alongside a second interconnector with Sicily.

Meanwhile, the ascent of renewable energy continues. The share of energy generated from renewable sources has increased significantly, and projections indicate further growth by the year 2030. Implementation of solar panels and battery storage is accelerating this shift. The offshore wind project, now at pre-qualification stage, shows forward planning to shift the future energy mix beyond incremental system improvements.

These developments, when considered together, indicate a governance model that prioritises coordinated actions that together, deliver a positive transformation.

Four years on, the most relevant question is whether the overall direction is consistent and sustainable.

On balance, there is evidence of a shift in how resources and spaces are approached. This shift will endure over time due to our commitment to policy continuity and stability.