Over the past 12 months, from July 2024 to June 2025, the electricity consumption in Malta has been predominantly fossil-based, with fossil energy accounting for 85% of the total electricity generated. A significant portion of this fossil energy comes from gas, making up over 84% of the total. In contrast, low-carbon electricity, which is crucial for reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change, constitutes a modest 15% of the total electricity. Nearly all this clean electricity comes from solar energy, contributing almost 15%. This indicates that Malta heavily relies on fossil energy, with clean energy playing only a minor role in electricity generation.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Malta?
Currently, Malta is experiencing a decline in electricity consumption, with the latest consumption rate standing at 3817 kWh per person, which represents a significant drop compared to the previous record of 5686 kWh per person in 2024. This decline raises concerns about whether this reflects lower economic activity or efficiency gains. In terms of clean electricity, Malta has also seen a slight decrease with the latest low-carbon generation at 576 kWh per person, compared to the previous high of 597 kWh per person in 2023. These reductions are worrisome, especially as global demand for electricity is expected to increase significantly due to electrification and advances in technology, emphasizing the need for Malta to increase its electricity consumption sustainably.
Suggestions
To promote the growth of low-carbon electricity generation, Malta could significantly benefit from expanding its solar energy infrastructure. Solar power is already a notable contributor to the island's clean electricity supply and offers excellent potential for further development. Additionally, drawing lessons from regions with high contributions from nuclear and wind, such as France with a 70% nuclear share and Denmark with nearly 60% wind, Malta can diversify its clean energy sources. While Malta may not have significant wind resources, the potential for nuclear power, along with an expanded solar network, could play a pivotal role in increasing low-carbon electricity generation and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
History
Historically, Malta's low-carbon electricity generation has been minimal, focused primarily on solar energy. From the early 2010s through to 2025, the solar energy generation changes show no growth, remaining stagnant each year. This stagnation suggests a need for substantial investment and innovation to leverage solar capacity more effectively. The consistent zero growth across these years highlights an urgent call for action to embrace sustainable electricity generation strategies desperately needed to keep pace with technological advancements and environmental requirements. Improving this situation with strategic enhancements in solar energy and potentially integrating nuclear energy could set Malta on a path of sustainable growth in clean electricity, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
