As part of Malta’s long-term climate and energy goals to reduce carbon emissions from the energy sector, enhance the integration of renewable energy sources (RES), and strengthen the security of supply, the country is launching the procurement process for the design and construction of two utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

These BESS will support a greater integration of renewable energy sources into the Maltese electricity grid. They will provide services to address the intermittency of RES, enabling the storage of electricity generated during peak photovoltaic production hours and shifting it to periods of lower RES output, when consumer demand is higher. This will help ensure a more stable and reliable energy supply while enabling the increase of the portion of renewables in the system. This initiative, alongside developing a second cable interconnection project, will be pivotal in advancing Malta’s energy transition to more RES thus ensuring a more sustainable, resilient energy future.

Two sites have been identified for the infrastructure project, both strategically located near key distribution centres and equipped with access to a grid connection. The first site is the BESS Project at Marsa ‘A’ Station, situated in the tunnels of the former ‘A’ Station in Marsa, whilst the second site is located at Delimara Power Station.

“The Maltese Government is dedicated to enhancing the integration of renewable energy within its energy mix. This pioneering project, the first of its kind in Malta, will not only provide essential electricity storage but also play a crucial role in responding swiftly to balance the grid during periods of cloud cover, thus enabling greater uptake of renewable energy sources in Malta’s Energy mix. The intermittency of RES is a significant challenge that we need to tackle to maintain the system’s stability. Initiatives such as these are pivotal to allow Malta to progress towards larger-scale renewable energy projects, such as offshore wind,” Energy Minister Dr. Miriam Dalli said.

The Marsa ‘A’ Station BESS Project will be 100% funded from the Recovery and Resilience Fund (RRF) with a budget allocation of circa €12 million, whilst the Delimara BESS Project is being considered for funding under the ERDF Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027 Programme for a maximum eligible cost of €35 million and a maximum co-financing rate of 60%.  

“Storage of energy when RES exceeds demand, and its use in lieu of fossil-fuelled plant can best be achieved with utility-scale BESS. The new systems will also mark another important milestone in modernising the country’s distribution network with the installation of large power-electronic converters connected to Malta’s 33kV system for energy conversion and flexibility services.” Dr. Inġ. Joseph Vassallo Divisional Manager ICM, said.