Local councils get €330,000 for alternative energy schemes

During a press conference, parliamentary secretary Chris Said announced that 29 local councils will benefit from financial aid under the Alternative Energy Scheme in 2011. The scheme finances designated local councils in undertaking alternative energy projects.

Together, the local councils will receive one third of a million euros to carry out 33 different projects by which they will be generating energy from alternative sources, particularly through solar energy.

“The majority of such initiatives involve the installation of photovoltaic panels in local councils or public places such as football grounds or parks,” Said said.

He added that the schemes’ main aim is to encourage local councils participate in environmental-friendly schemes which are considered to be concrete measures in favour of sustainable development in Malta and Gozo.

Said said that those local councils who have already benefited from this scheme have together generated 163 tonnes less of carbon dioxide, and saved €125,000 in electricity consumption.

A large number of these initiatives involved the installation of photovoltaic panels and/or solar panels, thanks to the energy scheme operated by parliamentary secretariat responsible of the local councils.

Said also announced the The 29 local councils are: Valletta, Isla, Bormla, Ħal Qormi, Żejtun, Ħal Balzan, Birżebbuġa, Ħad Dingli, Floriana, Fontana, Ħal Għargħur, Ħal Għaxaq, il-Ħamrun, Marsaskala, Mellieħa, Imġarr, Mosta, Munxar, Naxxar, Paola, Qala, Rabat, Santa Luċija, Ħal Tarxien, Xagħra, Xewkija, Imqabba, Marsa and Xgħajra.