Malta’s 13 proposals for floating photovoltaic farms are attracting “great” investor interest

Malta’s Regulatory Authority for Energy and Water Services (REWS) has received 13 proposals for the potential development of floating solar farms in Maltese territorial waters.

The submissions formed part of a preliminary market consultation (PMC) aimed at assessing market readiness for the development of offshore solar farms. PMC has identified a location four nautical miles off the coast of Delimara for potential 50 MW grid-connected floating solar panel projects.

According to the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Grand Harbor Regeneration, the response from potential investors was considered significant, with entries from local and international operators highlighting Malta’s green energy potential.

“The strong investor interest reflects the credibility Malta is gaining in its energy sector, including renewable energy. The government is already investing heavily in supporting households and businesses that want to invest in cleaner energy. Now we are taking it to the next level by assessing the development potential of floating photovoltaic farms.” – emphasized the Minister of Energy Miriam Dalli.

Indicating next steps, Marjohn Abela, CEO of REWS, emphasizes that the regulatory body will review the submissions and a committee of technical experts will evaluate the proposals. As a result, depending on the outcome of the review, further clarifications may be requested from applicants.

“The aim of the PMC is to gauge investor interest and assess market readiness for such projects. It also supports ongoing work by paving the way for a possible competitive call for tenders.” said Marjohn Abela

In July 2023, Malta’s Parliament discussed a new bill to facilitate the construction of the country’s first offshore wind and floating solar tender. The proposed changes would further regulate exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and environmental protection zones, extending the application of certain regulations and jurisdictional rights to areas outside territorial waters.