The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry welcomes the European Council approach to review the Trans-European Networks for Energy (TEN-E) Regulation and consequently give Malta access to future energy markets including hydrogen, an important enabler to achieve the targets of the European Green Deal and clean energy transition in a timely manner.
With high ambitions for sustainability at the core of The Malta Chamber, the derogation secured by Malta to be eligible for EU funds to co-finance a hydrogen-ready gas pipeline, offers a tangible solution to decarbonise industrial processes and economic sectors where reducing carbon emissions is challenging to achieve.
Given that hydrogen is climate-friendly and provides far-reaching opportunities, the Malta Chamber believes that it will play a pivotal role in supporting Malta to achieve the ambitious transition of its energy system while ensuring security of supply and flexibility.
“Hydrogen has several uses, from storing renewable energy to fuelling heavy transport that cannot be easily electrified. Thus, it can be critical in preparing a climate-neutral Maltese industry and economy by 2050,” said Marisa Xuereb, President of The Malta Chamber.
While anticipating that the agreed derogation in the EU Council is confirmed without delay during the forthcoming discussions between the Council, the European Commission and the European Parliament, the Malta Chamber urges the Maltese authorities to start preliminary studies, set a clear vision and ensure priority status for this cross-border project to link our energy network to the trans-European network. This might be crucial for the future sustainability of industries in Malta.
