Waste, Energy and Water – €200m to be invested in waste management infrastructure

• ‘Repair Centre’ to be introduced to promote reuse mentality

• New system for calculating electricity bill to be introduced

• First reverse osmosis plant to operate from Gozo

Government plans to build on the positive results the EcoHive group of projects has achieved given that the year 2021 was the best year in terms of recycling in its 19 years of existence.

The waste-to-energy plant, which forms part of the EcoHive project, will receive the biggest investment during this budget, with a total of around €200m invested. Through this investment, government is looking to improve the existing infrastructure the company has and look at proper planning for the future.

In collaboration with local councils, government is also planning to introduce “smart bins” in localities, which will be under constant surveillance. These smart bins will help commercial entities separate waste at any time of the day.

Government is also going to invest in a new facility to be known as a Reuse Centre, which has the sole purpose of recycling toys, ceramic objects, books and also furniture in order to change the mentality of recycling and reusing.

Possible plans for a Repair Centre are also being considered, where certain objects brought in as bulky waste will be evaluated, and where possible repaired in order for them to be sold or exchanged.

Energy

Due to the increase in electricity demand, works on the second interconnector cable between Malta and Sicily have begun and the studies for the route the cable will take are set to intensify throughout 2022.

The studies will include details pertaining to maritime studies, geological studies, geotechnical and environmental studies.