The Planning Authority has said that the drastic reduction in PV panel prices, as a significant element in the renewable energy sources mix, has provided an alternative, cost-effective path for Malta to progress towards reaching its 10% of the 2020 Energy from Renewable Sources (RES) target.

In a statement, it explained that the Solar Farm Policy published in October 2017 sets out the fundamental criteria which the Authority deems appropriate to guide the planning and design of solar farm development and the proper evaluation of applications for such schemes in the Maltese islands.

The PA said that priority is given by the policy for the development of solar farms in quarries, among other sites, to mitigate their negative visual impact while providing an opportunity to generate green electricity.

It applies to all quarries whether they are currently operational, inactive or disused, said the Authority. “However, quarries that have been restored before the date of adoption of this policy are not eligible for the development of solar farms.”

The PA explained that solar farms are defined by the 2017 policy as any commercial installation with a footprint larger than 1,000m2 being one consolidated and contiguous area included in one development application, not usually related to residential development, for the purpose of renewable energy generation by means of photovoltaic technology.

The PA said that quarries are considered to be prominent eyesores, especially within low-lying localities. The policy encourages the restoration of suitable quarries not only to mitigate their negative visual impact but, perhaps even more importantly, to provide an opportunity to generate green electricity.

It added that restoration of abandoned or disused quarries may also lead to backfilling with inert construction waste, relieving alternative sites.The approved policy also prohibits the development of solar farms in quarries within, or partly within or adjacent to Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) the Authority said.

It explained that these sites will only be considered following the completion of a plan-level Appropriate Assessment (AA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) procedure concluding that the Solar Farms Policy does not have a significant environmental impact, including on SACs and SPAs.

However, the Authority said that for the 2020 target to be achieved, attention has now turned towards the option to utilise such quarries.

Therefore, the Authority said that as one of the requirements of the Solar Farm Policy and following a tender process, the PA has commissioned AIS Environment to carry out an Appropriate Assessment (AA) and a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA).

With this in mind, consultation meetings are being organised with a wide range of stakeholders including Local Councils where quarries are located, Government ministries and entities, various faculties of the University of Malta, and a wide spectrum of NGOs.

The Authority pointed out that in turn, the Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment will provide expert guidance for the potential environmental impacts of new solar farms and identify relevant mitigation measures that need to be integrated into solar farm development in quarries.

The Planning Authority concluded by saying that through the public consultation meetings, SEA’s initial outcomes will be shared with the largest number of stakeholders and public groups possible so that the the potential environmental impacts of solar farms in quarries is extensively analysed in the light of this policy and a most comprehensive SEA is provided by AIS to the SEA Focal Point. The whole process is expected to be completed within 15 months.

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