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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 8 JUNE 2025 6 COMMERCIAL Xjenza Malta hosts landmark clean energy event to drive Mediterranean research collaboration XJENZA Malta, in collabo- ration with the Clean Energy Transition Partnership, hosted a high-level stakeholder event to advance research, innovation, and cross-border collaboration in clean energy Xjenza Malta proudly hosted a stakeholder event co-organised with the partners of the Clean Energy Transition Partnership (CETP). The event was attended by members of the press and key stakeholders in the Research and Innovation (R&I) community as well as international CETP rep- resentatives and leading experts in the clean energy sector. CETP is a central driver of the European Union's clean energy transition under Horizon Eu- rope, supporting the develop- ment and deployment of inno- vative energy technologies and systems. Its work fosters innova- tion ecosystems, demonstrates scalable clean energy solutions that contribute to the EU's 2030 renewable energy target of 42.5% and its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Through this event, Xjenza Malta reinforced its commit- ment to R&I in clean energy, re- affirming Malta's active partici- pation in this strategic European Partnership. Xjenza Malta has already awarded EUR 430 000 to projects involving Maltese researchers that are develop- ing tools to help grid operators prevent power outages, as well as building a smart energy plat- form using AI and blockchain to support affordable and sustaina- ble energy use in communities. The event also highlighted Mal- ta's efforts to promote regional collaboration across the Medi- terranean and to align national priorities with the broader EU climate agenda. The event en- abled meaningful dialogue and synergies between national and international actors, strengthen- ing Malta's role as a bridge be- tween local innovation and Eu- ropean clean energy objectives. The CETP Transnational Joint Call 2025 for R&I projects was also promoted. With a budget of €500,000 per project, Xjenza Malta invited all stakeholders to apply and to take full advantage of the networking opportunities made possible by the event. Keith Azzopardi Tanti, Par- liamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation, em- phasised that: "The Maltese Government, through Xjenza Malta, is connecting our re- searchers, innovators, and en- terprises with their counterparts across Europe and beyond. It is a point of great pride that Malta stood among the first supporters of this Partnership and commit- ted no less than €3.5 million to support Maltese partici pation in its Transnational Joint Calls, which is already yielding tan- gible results. Today's event is more than just a gathering. It is a launchpad for new partnerships and bold ideas, and I encourage all stakeholders present to en- gage actively, especially with our international partners." Dr. Tonio Portughese, Chair- man of the Xjenza Malta Con- sultative Committee said that : "This is an opportunity for the Clean Energy Transition Partnership to better under- stand Malta's needs, challeng- es, and opportunities, as well as its strengths and areas for im- provement. The event serves as a platform to highlight the role of local stakeholders and ensure their voices are heard in shaping the future of clean energy in our country. Through CETP's sup- port, Malta can serve as a testing ground and a leader in bringing forward innovative solutions that would serve the region and the EU as a whole." The CETP Transnational Joint Call 2025 is open until the 9 Oc- tober 2025. Further information can be found on Clean Energy in the Mediterranean: Powering Research – Xjenza Malta Frank Salt Real Estate to host solo exhibition by renowned artist Geoffrey Ciantar FRANK Salt Real Estate is de- lighted to announce the launch of an exciting solo art exhibi- tion by celebrated Maltese art- ist Geoffrey Ciantar, which will be held at the company's Sliema branch from 19th June to 19th July 2025. This exhibition centres around Geoffrey's evocative 'Rain' series, a compelling body of work that captures the magic of rainfall as seen through the car windscreen — transforming Malta's familiar streets, architecture, and villag- es into poetic, impressionistic scenes. These pieces reflect Geof- frey's fascination with urban life, streetscapes and the interplay of weather with the built environ- ment, all rendered in his innova- tive, signature style. Born in 1969, Ciantar began painting at an early age and honed his craft under the guid- ance of esteemed Maltese men- tors, including the late Harry Alden and Anton Agius. Though largely self-taught, his natural tal- ent and creative curiosity have led to a wide-ranging artistic journey spanning decades. He held his first solo exhibition at age 24, and in recent years has explored var- ious media — including a pastel collection in 2022, which laid the foundation for his current work. 10% of proceeds will be donated to Children & Youth First Nepal Foundation, furthering the exhi- bition's positive impact beyond the canvas. This new exhibition not on- ly celebrates Geoffrey's artistic evolution but also reinforces Frank Salt Real Estate's ongoing commitment to supporting local talent and cultural expression. The company remains deeply in- vested in community-driven ini- tiatives across the arts, environ- ment, sports, and social causes.