‘Strong’ investor interest brings Malta 13 proposals for floating solar farms

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

The submissions were part of a preliminary market consultation (PMC) to evaluate the market’s readiness for developing offshore solar farms. The PMC pinpointed a site four nautical miles off the coast of Delimara for potential 50 MW grid-connected floating solar projects.

The response from potential investors has been described as substantial, with submissions handed over by both local and international operators, highlighting Malta’s potential for green energy, according to the Ministry for the Environment, Energy, and Regeneration of the Grand Harbour.

“The strong interest shown by investors reflects the credibility that Malta is garnering in its energy sector, including renewable energy. The government is already investing a lot in supporting households and businesses that wish to invest in cleaner energy. Now, we are pushing for the next level by assessing the potential to develop floating solar farms,” highlighted Energy Minister Miriam Dalli.

While pointing out the next steps, Marjohn Abela, REWS CEO,  underlines that the regulator will review the submissions and a committee of technical experts will evaluate these proposals. As a result, further clarifications may be requested from the proponents based on the outcome of the review.

“The aim of the PMC is to evaluate investors’ interest and assess how prepared the market is for such projects. It also supports ongoing work, paving the way for an eventual competitive call for offers,” said Marjohn Abela.​

In July 2023, the Parliament of Malta discussed a new bill to facilitate the country’s first offshore wind and floating solar tender. The proposed amendments would further regulate the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) areas and environmental protection zones, extending the applicability of certain laws and jurisdictional rights to the areas located beyond the territorial waters.