Studies ‘indicate’ offshore wind farms not feasible – Mizzi

Feasibility studies indicate that offshore wind farms in Malta are not feasible, Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi said today.

According to the minister, developing an offshore wind farm would not only have negative impact on the environment but could also interfere with the birds’ migratory route.

Questioned by MaltaToday on the real prospects of an offshore or inshore wind farms, the energy minister made it clear that Malta would be reaching its EU 2020 target through other renewable energy technology.

“Indications are that an offshore wind farm would create environmental problems and also interfere with the birds’ migratory route. Studies indicate that wind farms are not feasible for Malta and the electricity generated through such energy will not be sustainable,” Mizzi said.

He added that for the first time, Malta this year will be meeting its interim renewable energy target. “We are confident that we will meet the EU’s 2020 target,” he said.

The government has opted to go for solar farms, biofuels and other technology as sources of renewable energy.

MEPA will soon be issuing a revised solar farms policy with better incentives and attractive tariffs. According to Mizzi, Malta’s feed-in tariffs are one of the most competitive in Europe.

Together with Italy’s deputy industry minister Claudio de Vincenti and Cyprus’s Energy Minister George Lakkotrypis, Mizzi addressed a media conference bringing to an end a two-day conference on energy hosted in Malta.

“We are very pleased with the outcome of the energy conference during which the Mediterranean was confirmed an important element for the EU’s security of gas supply,” Mizzi said.

The Italian deputy minister, whose country is hosting the EU Presidency, welcomed Malta’s proposal to develop a Euro-Mediterranean gas platform.