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4 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 28 FEBRUARY 2025 NEWS FROM PAGE 1 The 2025 Renewable Ener- gy Systems Household Grants Scheme, administered by the Regulator for Energy and Wa- ter Services (REWS), will help homeowners looking to install photovoltaic (PV) systems and battery storage solutions. The scheme introduces an unprecedented benefit for Gozo households, offering in- creased grant coverage of up to 95 per cent for battery storage installations, capped at €8,550. This move aims to accelerate the adoption of clean energy solutions on the island and further its progress towards energy independence. REWS CEO Marjohn Abe- la said the scheme attracted over 2,500 applications in the previous year, leading to wide- spread installations of photo- voltaic (PV) systems and bat- tery storage solutions. Applicants in both Malta and Gozo can choose from various grant options, including PV systems with standard or hy- brid inverters, hybrid inverter with battery storage, and bat- tery storage only. The scheme also features a feed-in tariff of 10.5p per unit for 20 years and a streamlined application process. Applications opened on 25 February and will be accepted until December or until funds are exhausted. Social housing and regeneration project in Tac-Cawla inaugurated Government allocating €10.3 million towards renewable energy grants EIGHT families are enjoying new apartments following the completion of a social hous- ing and regeneration project in Taċ-Ċawla, Rabat, Gozo. The project includes the con- struction of a block of eight so- cial housing apartments as well as the regeneration of the sur- rounding area. The development, completed ahead of schedule, spans a to- tal area of 3,750 square metres, with 330 square metres (9% of the site) dedicated to social housing. The remaining land, equiva- lent to three tumoli, has been transformed into a playing field, an outdoor gym, a recreational area with water features, and extensive landscaping. The project was carried out with a commitment to environ- mental sustainability, ensuring that no trees were removed. Gozo minister Clint Camilleri said that the project is further proof of the government's social credentials. "Besides the unprecedented social benefits announced in the last few Budgets, eight families were now benefiting from these new, modern and accessible apartments," he said. "We made sure not to cut down any trees. In fact, addi- tional indigenous trees were planted to enhance the area's natural beauty and provide a more relaxing environment." The project, inaugurated by Prime Minister Robert Abela a few days ago, fulfils the gov- ernment's vision for the space, when the project was first an- nounced. The Nationalist Party had opposed the project. PN Gozo spokesman Alex Borg had dis- tributed a petition and collected signatures from residents after claiming the project would take up the open spaces in the area. He had sent the petition to the prime minister and had al- so brought it up in parliament, insisting the government halt work on the project. Camilleri said that this social accomodation project was help- ing people in need of state as- sistance. "Because of this project, more families will enjoy a higher standard of living." he said. Project includes the construction of a block of eight social housing apartments The Gozo Business Chamber holds its AGM THE Gozo Business Chamber (GBC) held its Annual Gener- al Meeting (AGM) on Thurs- day, 20th February 2025, at the Queen Mary University of Lon- don Malta Campus, in Victoria, Gozo. The meeting opened with an introduction by GBC CEO Daniel Borg, who addressed key themes including regional autonomy, national govern- ance, the Chamber's 25-year history, and its work over the past year. He emphasized the Chamber's leading role in ad- vocating for stronger regional governance. While maintaining its focus on regional autonomy—recog- nizing that enhanced regional governance strengthens Gozo's voice at the national level—he also underscored the impor- tance of a transparent, fair, and equitable national governance framework. This, he noted, is especially critical in an increasingly com- plex international environment that also impacts Gozitan enter- prises. The financial and administra- tive report of the Gozo Business Chamber were also presented during the AGM. A key highlight of the AGM was a presentation by Noel For- mosa titled 'Gozo's Regionality: Gozitans' Perspectives and Op- portunities', which explored the importance of regional autono- my for Gozo. The event also featured ad- dresses by Alex Borg, Parlia- mentary Spokesman for Gozo for the Opposition, and Clint Camilleri, Minister for Gozo and Planning. GBC President Michael Galea delivered the closing speech. He provided an overview of the challenges and opportunities for Gozo. A main challenge for Gozo is the diversification of its econo- my, where sectors such as dig- italisation, the green economy, and education present consid- erable potential. He also highlighted how cer- tain infrastructural projects such as the new hospital, and the ex- tension of the port of Mġarr are now a necessity within the con- text of a larger population, and the continuous flow of traffic between the two islands. As for the future, given Gozo's reliance on the transport sector, the project of a logistics hub provides considerable opportu- nities. Within this context the dis- course about regional autono- my remains of extreme impor- tance, as within this context Gozo can then decide its eco- nomic priorities. He highlighted the importance of the Gozo Business Chamber in building a vision which really encompasses the aspirations of its members.