VALLETTA, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Maltese government said on Tuesday it had presented the updated National Energy and Climate Plan to the European Commission with a pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 41 percent over 2005 levels by 2030.
In a statement, the Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness said that while the government remained committed to address climate change while promoting sustainable economic growth and, it was pledging not to overburden citizens in order to meet its targets.
Malta plans a 77 percent reduction in emissions from energy generation compared to 2005, primarily due to the switch from heavy fuel oil to gas and the use of electricity interconnections with mainland Europe. Large-scale battery storage installations, an innovative first of their kind, will also be set up, allowing renewable energy to be used at night.
Malta is also committed to increasing the share of renewable energy to around 25 percent of total energy consumption by 2030, thus surpassing previously set targets. This follows an international call for proposals to produce wind energy.
The waste sector is expected to see a 59 percent reduction in emissions compared to 2021 levels thanks to pre-sorting facilities, organic waste treatment plants, gas extraction systems that divert waste away from landfills, and waste-to-energy projects.
The ministry acknowledged that greater efforts are needed in the transport sector, which accounts for 37 percent of Malta's emissions. It said people will continue to be incentivized to switch to electric vehicles while the road infrastructure is improved and a national plan addressing traffic challenges is discussed and implemented.
The construction sector also needs to make changes to become more sustainable, the ministry said.
"This National Energy and Climate Plan represents a transformative commitment to strengthen Malta's sustainability and resilience. We have undertaken, are undertaking, and will continue to make major changes," said Malta's Environment Minister Miriam Dalli.
