Furthering renewable energy in small island states with particular refence to Cyprus and Malta

Abstract

Energy production is one of the most critical issues in Small Island States (SIS). Despite their lack of natural energetic resources, many SIS still rely on fossil fuels for energy production, namely due to a lack of financial, human and natural resources. In the Maltese Islands, dependence on fossil fuels is not only burdening the local economy with soaring petroleum prices, but also jeopardising Malta's compliance vis-a-vis its commitments with the European Union. Cyprus on the other hand has been more successful than Malta in its utilisation of RES, producing 4% of its energy from solar energy. Nevertheless, there are indications that this figure could be significantly raised. The study first analyses renewable energy production in Small Island States and then examines more closely the situation of Malta and Cyprus, two Mediterranean Islands with similar climatic characteristics. A detailed analysis was carried on those policies, factors and incentives that encourage or hinder the utilisation of RES in both countries. The study then compared these variables and drew similarities and conclusions, with the ultimate aim of providing suggestions for improvement. Data was obtained via literary research, and augmented via interviews with officials from entities such as the Malta Resources Authority (MRA) as well as various politicians and professionals associated with energy affairs. Following a short visit in Cyprus, an official from the Cyprus Institute of Energy was also interviewed. Interviews were recorded, translated and transcribed in English language. Data was also augmented via a focus group session and a survey, as well as via a questionnaire sent via email to various experts in the field from Cyprus and Malta. In this study it is hypothesised that in the short term, energy security measures in both SIS should prioritise the further promotion of decentralised household units such as solar water heaters, photovoltaics and micro-wind rather over centralised, large scale installations. Following the analysis, the hypothesis was disproved.