Updated Energy Audit Scheme boosts sustainability support for Maltese SMEs

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malta will now be able to access more substantial financial support to help cut operational costs and improve sustainability, following updates to the national Energy Audit Scheme.

The revamped scheme, announced by the Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness, offers grants ranging from €2,500 to €6,000. These funds will enable a wider range of businesses to conduct professional audits of their energy and water consumption, helping them identify areas for improvement and reduce environmental impact.

The initiative forms part of Malta’s broader push to encourage responsible business practices and support the transition towards a greener economy.

“We are committed to continue guiding our enterprises toward a more responsible future,” said Minister for the Environment and Energy Miriam Dalli. “By making energy audits more accessible, we are paving the way for businesses to adopt cleaner practices, reduce their environmental footprint, and safeguard Malta’s resources for generations to come.”

With more sectors now eligible and enhanced funding available, the scheme is designed to promote the adoption of innovative technologies and sustainable practices across Malta’s business landscape.

Businesses interested in applying for the scheme can find more information or submit their applications through the Energy and Water Agency’s website at energywateragency.gov.mt/energyaudits or by emailing energyefficiency@gov.mt.

The scheme was announced alongside the Malta Engineering Excellence Award (MEEA), which recognises private enterprises that demonstrate outstanding innovation and efficiency in energy and water usage.

As part of this year’s award celebrations, forty trees were planted in Milbrae Grove, Mosta, in an initiative coordinated by the Energy and Water Agency (EWA) and the Chamber of Engineers. This symbolic gesture further emphasised the commitment to sustainability being encouraged within the local business and engineering communities.

The 2024 Malta Engineering Excellence Award was awarded to STMicroelectronics for its Implementation of Advanced Water & Wastewater Treatment. The project introduced industrial wastewater recycling, reducing 52,000 m³ of imported water, which accounted for 32 per cent of the company’s total raw water consumption in 2023.

Eden Leisure Group was named first runner-up, while Crane Currency and Busy Bee Ltd shared the second runner-up spot.

Eng. Charles Buttigieg, Chief Policy Officer at the Energy and Water Agency, welcomed the growing interest from the business sector, saying: “Year after year, it is truly rewarding to see a growing interest from companies in participating in these Awards and also in our Energy Audits Scheme. This not only fosters the adoption of innovative technologies and sustainable practices to reduce carbon footprint but also inspires more businesses to take part and contribute.”

Since its inception, the MEEA has received 22 nominations across five editions.