PV Panels at Reverse Osmosis Plants to Power Households
The Water Services Corporation (WSC) is taking a significant step in renewable energy by installing photovoltaic (PV) panels at its reverse osmosis plants in Pembroke and Cirkewwa. This forward-thinking initiative will generate enough power for 415 households, a substantial contribution to sustainable energy solutions. The project is a key part of the WSC’s broader strategy to enhance energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and align with global trends in renewable energy.
The WSC Board has approved the installation of 4,000 square meters of PV panels on the roofs of the Pembroke and Cirkewwa plants. This addition will inject 770 kWp of solar power into the plants’ systems, significantly reducing their reliance on the national grid. The energy produced will be used on-site, helping the facilities operate more sustainably.
Project Timeline and Environmental Impact
Scheduled to begin in the latter half of this year, the project has a budget of €1.5 million and an expected completion date in 2025. Once operational, the PV panels are projected to produce 1.2 million kWh per year, reducing annual CO2 emissions by 1,000 tons.
Any surplus energy will be fed back into the national grid, bolstering Malta’s renewable energy objectives. This project aligns with Malta’s National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), which calls for an increased share of renewables in the national energy mix. Looking ahead, the WSC is also exploring other renewable energy projects, including additional PV panel installations at other facilities. Wind and hydroelectric power options are also under consideration as the corporation aims to make Malta’s water production more sustainable.
Supporting Malta’s National Energy Goals
The WSC’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint is clear from its strategic initiatives. The new PV panels are a critical part of this plan, complementing energy efficiency measures already in place across its operations. These measures are designed to minimize energy consumption and improve the overall efficiency of water production.
Malta has set an ambitious target to produce 11.5% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. The PV installation at the Pembroke and Cirkewwa plants is a significant step toward achieving this goal. The Maltese government has expressed strong support for the initiative, with Energy Minister Miriam Dalli praising its potential to help the nation meet its renewable energy targets and combat climate change.
This project is a major milestone for the WSC, demonstrating its proactive approach to sustainable energy and water production. As Malta continues to work toward its renewable energy targets, the WSC’s initiatives will play a vital role in helping the country meet its environmental and energy goals. For more on global solar projects, you might find this article on Slovenia’s solar initiatives insightful.
