The fourth edition of the National Energy Conference was held this week, providing an opportunity for policy makers, businesses, researchers and members of the public to explore Malta’s path toward a secure, affordable and sustainable energy system.
This year’s conference, themed “Towards Net-Zero: Aligning Competitiveness with Climate Goals”, focused on how the EU and Malta can advance their clean energy transition while supporting economic growth and maintaining affordability for families and businesses. Discussions covered developments in European energy policy, renewable energy deployment, energy security and skills and innovation.
Opening the conference, the Minister for the Environment and Energy, Miriam Dalli, stressed the importance of maintaining stability while advancing the energy transition.
“The past years have tested Europe’s energy systems in unprecedented ways. These events reaffirmed the importance of renewed efforts to restore the delicate balance among the three pillars of the energy ecosystem: security of supply, affordability, and sustainability. This Government has remained committed to its belief that stability is essential – for families, for businesses, and for our country’s long-term competitiveness. Malta’s objective is clear: to build an energy system that is clean, secure and affordable. We will continue accelerating renewable deployment, strengthening energy security, and safeguarding affordability – ensuring environmental progress goes hand-in-hand with economic resilience and the creation of high-quality jobs,” Minister Dalli said.
Minister Dalli highlighted ongoing investments including offshore renewable energy development, utility-scale battery storage, continued upgrades to the electricity network and progress on the second interconnector with Sicily. She also noted the country’s increased renewable energy target of almost 25% by 2030, alongside continued support for households and businesses to adopt energy-efficient solutions.
The newly appointed CEO for the Energy and Water Agency, Sandro Lauri, highlighted how the Agency supports the development of national energy and water policy through a range of strategic plans and measures acting as a bridge between European ambition and local action, ensuring that our efforts align with both national priorities and wider EU goals.
The conference also featured two panel discussions with experts from the European Commission, Eurelectric, industry and academia. The first session focused on securing a reliable and affordable energy system, while the second explored how industry can remain competitive as the economy moves toward net-zero emissions. Speakers shared practical examples and experiences from sectors including tourism, manufacturing and business.
Organised by the Energy and Water Agency in collaboration with the University of Malta’s Institute for Sustainable Energy, the conference also included research presentations and networking opportunities, helping to strengthen collaboration across the energy sector.