Overview
Malta has initiated steps to integrate energy sharing, energy communities, and prosumer activities into its energy framework.
National legislation mandates that the Minister conduct an assessment of existing barriers and the potential for developing renewable energy communities. However, as of now, this assessment has not been completed.
Unjustified barriers persist, and while the law assigns the Regulator the duty to monitor and facilitate the removal of such obstacles, specific measures have yet to be detailed.
The legislation requires DSOs to cooperate with RECs and CECs to facilitate energy transfers within communities. However, the specifics of this cooperation remain undefined.
The law emphasises fair, proportionate, and transparent procedures for RECs and CECs, including registration and licensing, ensuring they contribute equitably to system costs. Detailed methodologies for these procedures are still pending.
Prosumers:
While Malta's National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) commits to promoting renewable self-consumption and ensuring non-discriminatory charges, there is currently no explicit regulation defining prosumers or self-consumption.
Outlook:
Malta's NECP indicates that the development of renewable energy communities is not currently anticipated. Nonetheless, ongoing legislative efforts and studies, such as the case study on deploying RECs in Malta, suggest a growing interest in integrating community-based renewable energy solutions.
In summary, while Malta has laid the foundational legal framework for energy communities and prosumers, detailed regulations and practical implementations are still evolving. Stakeholders are advised to monitor updates from relevant authorities as the regulatory landscape develops.
Summary of regulations
- Renewable Energy Communities (RECs): Malta has transposed the EU provisions for RECs from Directive (EU) 2018/2001 (RED II) into national law through Subsidiary Legislation 545.35.
- Citizen Energy Communities (CECs): Similarly, provisions for CECs from Directive (EU) 2019/944 (IEMD) have been incorporated via Subsidiary Legislation 545.34.
