Abela announces approval of solar panel policy for industrial areas

A policy on installing and using solar panels in industrial areas was approved earlier this month after extensive stakeholder consultation, Prime Minister Robert Abela has announced.

Abela announced the policy to support solar panel use in industrial areas during pre-Budget 2027 talks with the Malta Development Association.

The prime minister met representatives of the development and construction sector to discuss their priorities, challenges and proposals ahead of the Budget. Alongside the solar policy, discussions covered safeguards for people affected by construction and proposed changes to planning appeals.

INDIS had already identified several suitable sites and was preparing to issue a call for expressions of interest when the policy is formally launched.

Legal and operational documents were being completed so the process could begin as soon as the initiative is launched, he said.

On planning appeals, Abela said the proposed reform would automatically suspend work linked to a development permit while an appeal was before the tribunal or court.

“Following public consultation by the ministry concerned, we are now at the stage of consolidating the final version before publication and the parliamentary process,” Abela said. The government was also proposing clear deadlines and a digital system to help the appeals process work more efficiently. Abela said the government had opened discussions on the reform in the first days of the legislature.

He said people entitled to invest in construction should have their path made easier, while those affected by building work also needed protection.

Abela pointed to a fund for damage suffered by third parties, introduced within the first 100 days. He said it replaced the bank guarantee with a system under which the government takes responsibility for recovering damages.

The fund builds on other measures, including Helpline 138 and free access to architects and lawyers. Members of the public use the helpline to report suspected abuses or concerns about building sites, he said.

Turning to the economy, Abela said investment remained strong, and the construction and development sector was contributing to that performance.

He also referred to the finance minister’s assurance that energy subsidies would remain in place, saying this would continue to provide certainty and stability for the economy