Electricity in Malta in 2023

In 2023, over 88% of Malta's electricity consumption stemmed from fossil energy, with gas making up the bulk of it at 87.78% of total consumption. Clean, low-carbon energy made up a small share, amounting to close to 12%, with solar energy supplying the whole of this low-carbon energy mix. The strong reliance on fossil fuels and gas indicates a significant discrepancy between the consumption of high-emissions versus low-emissions energy sources.

Suggestions

To increase the contribution of low-carbon energy generation, Malta can take cues from countries with successful pathways towards green energy. Solar energy is already a significant part of Malta's low-carbon energy generation, but greater expansion in this area can place Malta on a more sustainable energy trajectory. Looking to Denmark, where wind power accounts for about 59% of their electricity or Greece with a 20% wind contribution, stands as examples of harnessing wind as a valuable low-carbon resource. Furthermore, lessons can be learned from countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy, another low-carbon option, makes up 66% and 61% of electricity generation respectively. Malta could explore these options to diversify its low-carbon energy mix.

History

Historically, the pursuit of low-carbon electricity in Malta has been largely focused on solar energy. However, the power generated from this source has remained stagnant at 0 TWh for over a decade - from 2010 up until 2023, according to the available data. Biofuels also featured in the mix around the early 2010s but again with no significant change in generation over the years. Thus, despite the existing focus on solar energy, it hasn't resulted in significant increases in contribution to the electricity mix. Perhaps, exploring other forms of low-carbon energy sources like nuclear or wind could stimulate growth in this sector.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources