The Government has launched a public call for the country to develop its first offshore renewable energy project from wind, located twelve nautical miles off Malta’s coast in the Exclusive Economic Zone. Prime Minister Robert Abela, during a press conference at Fort St. Angelo alongside Energy Minister Miriam Dalli, emphasized that this innovative project will further strengthen Malta’s position at the heart of the Mediterranean through an investment in renewable energy.
Today, an international call known as the pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) was issued, inviting the private sector to participate in this floating wind turbine project. The PQQ includes key project details. At this stage, interested parties will have the opportunity to provide evidence of their technical and financial capabilities. This information will then be used to shortlist the highest-ranked companies to advance to the next phase. Only the top five candidates will be invited to the subsequent cycle, known as the Invitation to Participate to Dialogue (ITPD). Based on these details, the five candidates will be required to present their initial proposals, which will serve as a basis for dialogue. Following the dialogue phase, a competition for the Best and Final Offer (BAFO) will be launched.
Prime Minister Robert Abela explained that today’s launch marks an important step in moving from words to implementation. Dr. Abela stated that this project will enhance Malta’s diversification in the energy sector and increase the use of renewable energy. He emphasized the vision of Malta becoming a hub for clean energy in the Mediterranean. “This technology is continuing to develop, and our country is ready to shape a sustainable future,” said the Prime Minister, noting that the challenges posed by climate change can be transformed into opportunities.
He added that, at a time when Malta’s economy must take the next leap toward quality, the country needs to produce more clean energy and harness more natural elements such as wind and sun. He highlighted that this project, once materialized, will serve the common good, and this government believes in the private sector as a strategic partner to help Malta achieve its goals, including becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
Minister Miriam Dalli stated that this project is significant for both the energy and environmental sectors. “The project is not only important for energy generation but will also have a positive environmental impact, addressing the issue of limited space in Malta. Unlike other projects mentioned in the past, this is a well-thought-out project,” said Minister Dalli. She added that Malta’s vision, even at the European level, is for the Mediterranean to become a hub for clean energy. “Malta is taking a leading role in achieving this aim, to the extent that Malta has brought together Mediterranean countries where this principle was established,” Minister Dalli concluded.
Link to article on doi.gov.mt