The views of farmers utilising modern wind and solar energy systems in the Maltese agricultural sector

Abstract

The issuing of the Renewable Energy directive in June 2009 indicates the European Union's determination in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other forms of pollution, diversifying the security of its energy supply and maintaining its world leading, clean energy technology industry. As a member of the European Union, Malta has the obligation of achieving a 10% target for share of energy from renewable sources in gross final consumption of energy by 2020. Renewable energy and agriculture are a winning combination. There is considerable potential for the participation of the agricultural sector in the production and consumption of wind and solar energy. These types of energies can be harvested ad infinitum supplying farmers with a long-term source of income. The Maltese Islands possess good prospects for the utilisation of modem wind and solar renewable energy technologies. Nowadays, these types of systems can provide many on-farm energy needs, from water pumping to lighting purposes. The aim of the study is to identify the views of the farmers utilising modem wind and solar energy technologies in the Maltese agricultural sector as well as that of local renewable energy suppliers. The methodology employed to investigate the aim of the study is through a farmers' survey and interviews with the renewable energy suppliers. In the study, data obtained from the Ministry of Resources and Rural Affairs (Paying Agency) regarding beneficiaries of Measure 121, Sub-Measure 2 on Environmental Investments was utilised. The study shows that due to the high initial capital expenditure the majority of farmers would not consider buying a renewable energy system without the use of grants. Moreover, results demonstrate that most participants obtained a significant electricity savings, in particular those farmers involved in animal husbandry. It was also observed that the higher the level of education of the farmers, the more they were aware of the renewable energy systems' positive benefits on the environment. In conclusion the researcher recommends the use of the study to help in future development of these two categories of clean energy technologies within the local agricultural sector.