Electricity in Malta in 2023/2024

In Malta, the state of electricity consumption over the past 12 months, from October 2023 to September 2024, shows a strong reliance on fossil energy. More than half of the electricity consumption in Malta, about 86%, comes from fossil sources, with a significant majority of about 85% coming specifically from gas. On the other hand, low-carbon or clean energy sources, which include solar energy, contribute to roughly 14% of the total electricity consumption. Almost all of this green energy in Malta is derived from solar power, which stands at approximately 14%, indicating that other low-carbon sources like nuclear and biofuels are essentially not part of Malta's electricity production at this time.

Suggestions

To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Malta could focus on expanding its existing solar capacity, as this technology already contributes significantly to its clean energy output. By further investing in solar infrastructure, Malta can increase the share of clean electricity in its energy mix, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change and air pollution risks. Additionally, Malta can gain valuable insights from other countries known for their substantial low-carbon energy production. For example, countries like Cape Verde and Brazil, similar in size or economic status to Malta, have managed to achieve approximately 14% of their electricity generation from wind. Learning from their approaches to infrastructure, policy frameworks, and technological investments could help Malta diversify its low-carbon energy sources and build a more robust clean energy capacity.

History

Historically, Malta's journey towards low-carbon electricity generation has been slow, with solar power remaining stagnant at 0 TWh increase from 2010 through 2022. The year 2023 marked the first notable change as solar energy production increased by 0.2 TWh, but this was countered by a decrease of the same amount in 2024, negating any growth. Meanwhile, biofuels made no contribution to the increase in low-carbon electricity over the years. This pattern suggests that while some strides have been made in advancing solar energy, there is substantial room for improvement, especially when looking at examples from other nations with more diversified and substantial low-carbon electricity production.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources