Energy: Malta should avoid energy poverty – AD
Commenting on the European Commission’s recommendations to Malta, Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party said that whilst Malta should move towards energy sustainability, it should avoid energy poverty. The European Commission’s recommendations to Malta, for the country’s national reform programme and stability programme confirms the undisputable link between renewable energy, dependence on fossil fuels and economic sustainability. In Malta however we have seen extremely slow, unenthusiastic and negligible progress in Malta’s energy infrastructure. Government also chose, through a very questionable tendering process, end-of-pipe pollution equipment for a new power plant rather than cleaner energy sources.
Ralph Cassar, AD spokesperson for Industry, energy and transport said: ”AD reiterates its policy for heavy investment in renewable energy schemes, including micro-generation projects and universal access for households. The business as usual scenario will mean that Malta will not achieve its 2020 commitments – which is the bare minimum target if we want to move towards sustainability in the energy sector.”
Apart from the obvious health and environmental advantages the Commission’s recommendations make a clear link between the country’s energy strategy and wages, a healthy economy and employee well-being.
“The price of energy, coupled with the near total dependence on imported oil is putting pressure to keep wages low. While the Commission suggests certain measures which will hit low wage earners most – something which AD disagrees with – it is clear that the lack of government investment in clean and renewable energy and energy
efficiency over the years has led to a catch 22 situation were emergency measures will have to be taken, affecting as always wage earners, who are already carrying most of the burden of the unreliable and fluctuating energy markets. A good, forward looking and courageous energy policy, while tackling and ensuring that Malta honours its
international commitments regarding climate change, will also mean a sustainable future which will benefit SMEs and all wage-earners. The Nationalist Government has lacked vision in this regard.”
Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson and spokesperson for Economy and Finance, said: “AD reiterates the need for a Green New Deal in Malta, whereby increased investment by the Government and the private sector in renewable energy and other sustainable initiatives will create jobs and be beneficial for Malta’s society, economy and the environment. AD also reiterates that Malta needs an increase in the minimum wage and a realistic cost of living adjustment mechanism which gives adequate compensation to workers for cost of living increases”.
