PA launches new solar farm policy

The Planning Authority yesterday launched a new solar farm policy, which aims to increase clean energy generation by up to 50MW. The policy also aims to help Malta reach the EU2020 target of having 10% of the total energy generation from renewable sources. Currently, only around 6% of energy generated in Malta comes from renewable sources.

The policy document defines a solar farm as a sizeable commercial installation with a footprint larger than 1000m2 for the purpose of renewable energy generation by means of photovoltaic technology. The policy encourages that solar farms are set up in the vicinity of urban areas, or areas with high electrical consumption. This will reduce grid connection costs, distribution losses and sprawl towards the countryside.

The document identifies a number of preferred sites where solar farms may be installed. The list includes large scale roof tops and open spaces such as car parks where dual use of the site is feasible. Also appropriate for such a development are Areas of Containment, sites earmarked for Small and Medium Enterprise (SME sites), official disused landfills and industrial plants. The policy favours the use of quarries especially in the flatter areas of the Island such as in the localities of Mqabba, Kirkop, Qrendi and Siggiewi where a better visual integration of the Solar Farm can be achieved.

Quarries which fall within or adjacent to a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or a Special Protected Area (SPA) can only be considered after an Appropriate Assessment (AA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) conclude that the policy will not have a significant impact on the environment.

The policy precludes solar farms from being set up in the open countryside, Natura 2000 sites, on garigue, in valleys, ridge edges or areas of archaeological, cultural or scientific interest. The policy document also dissuades sites where significant infrastructural works are required to connect the installation to the grid. Fully aware that solar farms can create potential adverse visual impacts, the policy sets minimum design requirements. To be considered positively, a proposed solar farm should fit appropriately in the site topography with attention given to limiting the height of the panels above the surrounding terrain. Where possible, a solar farm’s ancillary infrastructure are to be placed underground and trenching works and access routes should be limited to existing paths. To reduce the visual impact, appropriate landscaping should be carried out along the boundary.

Additionally, for ODZ sites, the policy also calls for a specific development permit condition which requires that within a 30 year period the solar farm should be decommissioned and the site re-instated to an acceptable use. In the case of disused quarries, the infilling of the quarry shall also be a condition in the development permission.

The approved policy together with the submissions received from the public during the public consultation phases may be viewed on the Authority’s website www.pa.org.mt.