Momentum has called on the Planning Authority to refuse Planning Application PA/03747/26, which proposes an ”industrial-scale,” ground-mounted solar farm on Ta’ Kuljat Hill in Zebbug, Gozo.

Momentum said that while it fully supports the transition to renewable energy, it insists that it must not come at the expense of our protected countryside.

”National planning policy clearly identifies more appropriate locations for large-scale solar projects, including rooftops, industrial areas, quarries and other already developed sites,” said Momentum.

The Party said that the proposed development would cover approximately 27,360 square metres of exposed hilltop within an Area of High Landscape Sensitivity and mapped garrigue habitat. It would also require supporting infrastructure, including electricity connections, trenching and access for heavy machinery, ”raising serious concerns about irreversible damage to one of Gozo’s most distinctive rural landscapes.”

Momentum warned that covering this land with panels would destroy a protected garrigue ecosystem, displacing native flora and fauna, compacting and sealing the soil, and causing permanent, irreversible harm to natural habitat.

Momentum noted that the proposal ”appears to conflict with the Gozo and Comino Local Plan, the Strategic Plan for Environment and Development (SPED), and the 2021 Solar Farm Policy, which specifically excludes large-scale solar farms on garrigue and open countryside.”

Rather than taking up pristine virgin land, Momentum called on the Government to ”establish public-private partnerships to install solar farms on existing public infrastructure.”

”For example public buildings, schools, and large public car parks, such as those in Victoria, Marsalforn, and Xlendi. All sites offer significant potential to generate clean energy while also providing shaded parking, without sacrificing natural landscapes,” added Momentum.

Carmel Asciak, executive committee member of Momentum, said, “this is not an objection to renewable energy. It is an objection to placing industrial-scale development in one of Gozo’s protected landscapes when more suitable alternatives already exist.”

Momentum warned that ”approving this application would set a dangerous precedent for similar developments on other hills across Malta and Gozo. Other concerns include loss of visual amenity and rural character valued by residents and tourists, soil erosion and disruption of natural water runoff, and reduction of land available for agriculture.”

It urged the public to submit objections to the Planning Authority until the 10th of July, through the online representation form by clicking here.

Photo Coalition for Gozo: Kuljat with solar panels location

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