With the growing need of finding alternative ways for cleaner sources of energy production, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) has published a proposed Planning guidance for Micro Wind Turbines with a generating capacity of up to 20kW. This document was prepared following an invitation to the public to submit its preliminary submissions. During this six week period of public participation, individuals and organisations are being encouraged to participate and dialogue with the Authority on this proposed policy.

The aim of this proposed document is to provide prospective applicants with guidance on the potentially acceptable locations, size, efficiency and feasibility aspects of micro wind turbines. It also serves as additional guidance to MEPA in determining development applications.

The issues surrounding the installation of micro wind turbines are more related to cumulative impacts of multiple turbine installations, especially in urban areas. This guidance seeks to address and mitigate potential visual impacts, impacts on ecology, and other possible causes of nuisance to surrounding receptors. It positively considers micro wind turbines in industrial areas or large buildings situated in ODZ areas (such as hospitals, schools and other infrastructural facilities) but adopts a precautionary approach in urban areas due to lack of information on potential amenity impacts such as visual, noise and vibrations.

The Authority will encourage the carrying out of studies, through pilot projects that assess the potential impacts particularly visual, noise and vibrations of this infrastructure on residential buildings and townscapes. The results of these pilot projects are envisaged to be a determining factor in any possible wider dissemination of micro wind technology in urban areas.

The proposed guidance calls for the need of sensitive siting as a key element in reducing the visual impact, improve the general perception related to this technology and make them more acceptable to the public. While ideally turbines are located high up to take advantage of the prevailing winds, the policy proposes maximum overall height limitations for turbines as a mitigation measure against visual impact. The document discourages tower mounted turbines from being assembled within the grounds of historic buildings as in most cases, this area is as valuable as the built structure itself and contribute towards their conservation value.

Larger wind turbines shall be assessed within Government’s Proposal for an Energy Policy of 2009, other supporting documents published by the Malta Resources Authority (MRA), and all relevant studies necessary to inform decisions on any future applications for such development. They are therefore considered outside the scope of this Guidance.

The Authority encourages residents, local councils, organisations and NGOs to submit any comments or suggestions through email address: microwind@mepa.org.mt.

The closing date of this public participation exercise is Friday, the 11th of September 2009.

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