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The Maltese Herald

Wind energy is not a viable energy source for Malta

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by

Mark Camilleri
in

Since publishing this article, I have received several points about Malta’s energy situation and I am sharing an expert opinion sent to me by an engineer who works in the energy sector with energy systems, including renewable energy sources.

As expected, his viewpoint on wind energy in Malta is negative and it’s not just because the scarcity of land. He also says that there isn’t even enough wind to make its energy production anywhere near efficient.

Wind Energy in the Mediterranean: A Closer Look at Viability and Policy Decisions

Wind energy potential in the Mediterranean is generally low in terms of power density. The only areas in the region with significant wind power potential are around Montenegro (Adriatic Sea), where the strong and cold Bora winds blow from the north or northeast towards the eastern Adriatic coast, and the Gulf of Fos in France, which benefits from the powerful Mistral wind originating in the Bay of Biscay on France’s west coast. In these regions, power density exceeds 800 W/mยฒ at 100 meters above sea level, reaching values over 1000 W/mยฒ.

In stark contrast, the power density around the Maltese Islands is about half of that, approximately 400 W/mยฒ, which is considered marginal at best. The prospects for wind power offshore Gozo, particularly towards the Sicilian side, are even less favorable. The islands themselves block the relatively strong winds from the south, where the Sirocco, a wind formed over the Sahara, blows. Although the Sirocco can reach hurricane speeds, this phenomenon occurs only around North Africa, not near Malta.

When asked about energy policy, I stressed that the only viable solution is an interconnector to Italy, rather than relying on the inadequate wind energy potential around Malta.

Comments

4 responses to “Wind energy is not a viable energy source for Malta”

  1. Quinn avatar
    Quinn

    So what kind of energy can your engineer friend suggest, apart from your own suggestion? Too small an island for nuclear I feel. Sun? We have that in plenty. Sea? We have that too. But is it possible?

    Reply
  2. Mario Grech avatar
    Mario Grech

    It is interesting to note that Solar energy is the solution especially in Malta where we have so many hours of sunshine during the year.In America normal facade glass is used to generate electricity. Imagine if all glass used in houses in Malta are turned into energy devices. Central hubs can be created to store the extra energy. The technology is there but is way too expensive. However lately a new material was discovered for PV panels which make them much more efficient. Compared to other countries EU is heavily reliant on fossil fuel but as we saw during the Ukraine invasion it is held hostage by Russia. The EU must make much more effort so that alternative energy is used instead. This will definitely be a game changer both in terms of technology as well as environment.

    Reply
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