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Date of Graduation
Fall 12-18-2010
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Department of Integrated Science and Technology
Advisor(s)
Michael L. Deaton
Robert Ghirlando
Jonathan J. Miles
Abstract
The European Union has recognized the need for an action plan to facilitate the gradual transition to a dominant, renewable energy production base for the myriad of benefits that renewable over non-renewable production brings. Malta, as a member of the EU, is obliged to achieve nationwide goals as specified in the Renewable Energy Directive with regards to electrical efficiency, carbon emissions and renewable energy production share. The goals for Malta include an achievement by 2020 of a 10 % renewable production base, a 10 % electrical efficiency improvement and an allowance for a 5 % increase in carbon emissions as compared to 2005 levels. This Dissertation examines four different comparative studies that address different aspects for attaining these Directive goals. The purpose of these comparative studies is to identify the best option in order to address a particular goal by applying social, economic and environmental weighting. The conclusions of this paper are that: i. Malta can achieve its efficiency goals simply by introducing improvements to its transmission and distribution grid. These grid improvement measures are cost effective and would facilitate attainment of the renewable and emissions goals. ii. Malta will need to expand its non-renewable production base by 2016 and the best option for such an expansion would be the addition of a second submarine interconnector to Sicily rather than expansion of local production capacity. iii. With a focus on the most cost-effective large scale renewable energy projects it was determined that it is both more economic and socially advantageous to invest in a foreign offshore wind project (and thus be credited with renewable energy produced from this source) rather than to build a local wind project. iv. Consumer end efficiency improvements where cost effective should also be aggressively pursued and represent a means for Malta to actually exceed its efficiency goal and result in electrical savings that save money and reduce emissions.
Recommended Citation
Sinn, Charles G., "A comparative social, economic and environmental study of how Malta could best achieve its 2020 “20-20-20” goals" (2010). Masters Theses, 2010-2019. 431.
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/master201019/431
