Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1137604
13 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 30 JUNE 2019 JAMES DEBONO AN agricultural area in Gozo's Ghajnsielem, the size of Flori- ana's granaries, is being ear- marked for the construction of greenhouses with solar panels. The latest plans, presented by Brian Azzopardi on behalf of German owner Udo Wit- zke, are being recommended for approval by the Planning Authority's directorate. The site lies on Gozo's larg- est agricultural plain, and the solar farm will be erected 55 metres off the Mgarr road, one of Gozo's busiest roads connecting the harbour to the town of Victoria. The visual impact will be miti- gated through the planting of around 125 almond, olive and carob trees. The greenhouses will in- clude 3,080 solar panels with an approximate output of 1.6 million kWh per year, equiv- alent to the annual energy consumption of around 350 people. The latest plans fore- see three greenhouses of 1,959sq.m, 1,536sq.m and 6,489sq.m respectively with the largest one located fur- ther away from the road. The PA's policy regulat- ing solar panels limits these solar farms to disused quar- ries and the roofs of existing buildings. But the project exploits a loophole found in the solar farms policy which states that "large open spaces within appropriate zones, where dual use of the site is reasonably feasible" can be considered. The same policy, however, states that "as far as possible, solar farms should be sited in the vicinity of ur- ban areas, or areas with high electrical consumption." The policy also precludes solar farms in the open country- side. According to the project's development statement, the greenhouses will ensure profitability and better value added, avoiding fragmenta- tion of the holding. Presently the land is being used to grow crops for ani- mal fodder, which is consid- ered as an inefficient crop. "Given the return that this crop provides, the low qual- ity and low nutritive value of the fodder produced in Mal- ta, and the declining prices that this produce commands, this activity can hardly be considered a best use for the site in question." The document claims the project envisions the transfor- mation of this underutilised tract of good quality agricul- tural land into a "state-of-the- art agricultural production" facility. The Environment and Re- sources Authority has ex- empted the project from an Environment Impact Assess- ment, because the impacts do not warrant an EIA as long as various mitigation measures are duly enforced. The PA's advisory panel on design issues had expressed concern about the impact of the proposed greenhouses and overlying PV panels on the open landscape. NEWS Steer your business to brighter horizons. Approved and issued by HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c, (116, Archbishop Street, Valletta VLT1444), which is a public limited company regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority and licensed to carry out the business of banking in terms of the Banking Act (Cap.371 of the Laws of Malta). (Ref No. 107345 – 06/2019) Together we thrive As circumstances change, new opportunities can appear on the horizon. Taking advantage of them requires being able to adjust your course and respond effectively. HSBC will support your business to keep moving with the right momentum, and in the right direction. Wherever you're going, we are with you throughout the journey. See how we can help your business grow. Call us on 2380 8000 or visit www.business.hsbc.com.mt/brighterhorizons Gozo solar farm could power 150 households The site lies on Gozo's largest agricultural plain, and the solar farm will be erected 55 metres off the Mgarr road, one of Gozo's busiest roads connecting the harbour to the town of Victoria. The visual impact will be mitigated through the planting of around 125 almond, olive and carob trees Other pending applications for massive solar greenhouses include a 9,800sq.m proposed in Bur il-Kbir in Siggiewi by Puglisi Company Limited and a 10,060sq.m farm consisting of 3,222 solar panels proposed by Mark Gaffarena on farmland in Ghar ir- Ram, Qormi. jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt