In the recent 12-month period from July 2024 to June 2025, Malta's electricity consumption shows a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, with these accounting for nearly 85% of all electricity generation and gas alone making up over 84% of this consumption. In contrast, low-carbon energy sources contribute just over 15% to the mix, predominantly from solar energy, which nearly makes up the entire low-carbon segment. This significant dependence on fossil fuels highlights a crucial need for Malta to shift towards more sustainable energy options to enhance its energy portfolio's diversity and sustainability.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Malta?
Electricity consumption in Malta is experiencing a downtrend, a concerning development considering the global push for increased electrification. In 2025, the per-person electricity consumption dropped to 3817 kWh from a previous record of 5686 kWh in 2024, a decline of 1870 kWh. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation per person is also down, albeit slightly, from its record of 597 kWh in 2023 to 576 kWh in 2025. This stagnation is disappointing, especially in the context of growing energy needs to support sustainable development and technological advancements.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity, particularly solar, Malta can look to expand its existing solar infrastructure. Learning from regions with successful solar or nuclear initiatives could be beneficial. For example, Nevada with 30%, and Lebanon with 31% of its electricity from solar power, showcase what robust solar investments can achieve. Additionally, countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear accounts for more than 65% of electricity, indicate the value in considering nuclear as a complementary option to solar, potentially contributing to Malta’s low-carbon electricity development and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Malta, with a specific focus on solar energy, shows very modest growth up until now. From 2011 through 2020, there was close to no notable increase in solar generation. It wasn't until 2021 that solar energy saw a small, but significant, rise of 0.1 TWh. Unfortunately, this positive development did not continue in the following years, with 2022, 2023, and 2025 all showing stagnant growth, marking a missed opportunity in capitalizing on the island's abundant sunshine. This history underlines the need for more assertive policies and investments in solar and nuclear energy to ensure a brighter, cleaner energy future.