Gozo issues call for roadmap to climate neutrality

The Gozo Regional Development Authority has issued a tender for the development of an action and investment plan to achieve climate neutrality for the island.

The aim of the initiative is to determine a viable target date to achieve climate neutrality based on a detailed energy baseline scenario, including a greenhouse gas emission inventory, as well as draw up a roadmap for Gozo to become climate neutral by that target date.

The plan would need to include the actions that need to be taken, the authority or ministry responsible for each action, and an outline of the indicators used to monitor progress. It also needs to estimate the resources required for each action towards climate neutrality, and a timeline for their implementation, prioritising the most cost-effective.

The tender stipulates that the plan should involve citizen engagement and extensive consultation with both state and non-state actors, including the private sector.

The initiative is expected to cost around €180,000, although this only serves as a guide for potential bidders – the actual cost will be decided through the competitive tender process.

The tender is the latest step in Government’s efforts to make Gozo the first climate neutral region of Malta, as announced by Prime Minister Robert Abela in the run-up to the 2022 election.

Earlier this year, Gozo was chosen to participate in the EU Mission “100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030”, a fund under the Horizon Europe programme.

Through this mission, Gozo, through the GRDA, is receiving advice and assistance from the Mission Platform (managed by the NetZeroCities consortium), providing funding and the opportunity to participate in pilot projects.

As a first step in the process, these 100 cities, including Gozo, will work towards having a clear plan to achieve climate neutrality by a viable target date. This plan should address climate neutrality across all sectors such as clean mobility, energy efficient buildings, waste management and green urban planning.