VALLETTA, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- The Maltese government on Wednesday issued a call for private investors in renewable energy projects that could generate enough clean energy for around 6,000 households.
The Regulator for Energy and Water Services (REWS), together with the Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise, launched a scheme whereby private investors can submit their offers to develop large renewable energy installations, such as solar farms and wind turbines.
The regulator is opening the bid for systems with a capacity starting from 40 kWp (kilowatts peak) to a maximum of 1 MWp (megawatt peak).
Addressing the media, Environment, Energy and Enterprise Minister Miriam Dalli explained how through the new scheme, if the allocation is taken in full, the government will offer financial support for private investors to generate enough clean energy for around 6,000 households, translating into some 10,000 tons less carbon dioxide in a year.
Dalli explained how through this scheme the government will invest up to 74 million euros (74 million U.S. dollars) in clean energy over 20 years.
"We are working to increase the sources of renewable energy in our country. This investment will help us strengthen security of supply and diversify energy generation. It will open up new economic opportunities and create more green jobs. This complements our country's vision for a decarbonized economy by 2050," Dalli said.
These investments will also help Malta address several sustainable development goals, she said.
A similar scheme launched last year has attracted 36 projects, which will be generating clean energy with a maximum capacity of 10 megawatts -- enough electricity for around 4,200 homes, saving 7,000 tons of carbon dioxide every year. ■