Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1510993
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 5 NOVEMBER 2023 What's in it for you? • Without this support, electricity consumption costs for a two-person household would double, from €403 to €822 per year. • For a family of four, this cost rises from €672 to €1,275. • Annual fuel expenses would surge by €468 for petrol car drivers and €624 for diesel without Government support. Committed to greener communities • Project Green is starting community greening projects on 80,000m 2 of open spaces, with 5,000 new trees in different localities. • We are continuing the planning of major environmental projects, such as the San Gwann centre regeneration, the new green lung at Cospicua, and the Sicca project in Birzebbuga. • WasteServ will transform Marsascala's old waste treatment plant into a new family park. • More green open spaces in different localities are in the works. A clear vision for a decarbonised future • Interconnect Malta is stepping up preparations for the first call for large-scale offshore renewables in Maltese waters, for the second Malta-Italy Interconnector, and the first grid-scale battery energy storage systems. • 2024 will also see the extension of several REWS schemes for the installation of renewable energy systems and energy efficient technologies. • The Energy and Water Agency is adding 1,200 new electric car public charging points. Reliable infrastructure • We're doubling Enemalta's investment in the electricity distribution network, with new distribution centres and other essential upgrades. • An additional 60 MW of backup electricity generation capacity will be sourced until new clean energy systems come on stream. • Water Services Corporation is implementing a €12 million upgrade of its reverse osmosis plants to boost water production. • With the €500 million ECOHIVE waste-to-energy project, Malta will generate green energy and reduce landfilling. Supporting businesses towards the green and digital transitions • Malta Enterprise is planning a new Centre of Excellence in semiconductors to develop human capital for new investments in this sector, including fabless manufacturing. • We are extending the Startup Finance Scheme and launched a stakeholder consultation process to establish a national Malta Startup Framework that caters exclusively for the needs of startups. • For the next three years, the EU Startup Summit will be held in Malta. • With an increased allocation of €60 million, Malta Enterprise will support several new business projects, while renewing popular schemes on sustainability, efficiency, digitalisation, rent, innovation, ESG and other initiatives. • The Blue Med initiative will attract more blue economy investments. PAVING THE WAY FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE For the third consecutive year, the Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise is subsidising energy prices. In 2024, we are investing €340 million to protect families and businesses from this sector's global instability. budget freephone 8OO722O7 website budget.gov.mt sostenibilità