James Debono
The planning authority will have to finalise its impact assessments before residents can erect their micro wind turbines on roofs and backyards.
Wind turbines cut energy bills and carbon emissions, and residents can sell the excess energy to the national grid, but they also generate noise.
So far, the MEPA board has given the go-ahead for small wind turbines in industrial areas and outside development zones. But it wants more studies to be conducted before allowing wind turbines in urban areas.
A draft policy on micro wind energy in urban areas has already been presented to the MEPA board, but it wants a “research exercise” on the noise, visual and vibration impacts of the turbines. “This exercise will be carried out in conjunction with technical experts in this field, NGOs and industry,” a MEPA spokesperson told MaltaToday.
The spokesperson made it clear that all turbines in both residential and non-residential areas, need a permit.
Despite the absence of a policy on micro wind farms, in 2007 the planning directorate recommended for approval a wind turbine over the villa of Carmen Sant, the wife of former Labour minister Lorry Sant. The application was dismissed after she erected the turbine without a permit. Sant has applied to sanction the turbine.

Does it pay?
Erecting a micro wind turbine that generates a maximum 3.7 kilowatts (kW) on your house qualifies you for a grant of 25% of the purchase price. But the subsidy is capped at €233.
While small systems that would supply enough energy for battery-charging systems cost less than €1900, larger mast-mounted systems can cost between €14,000 to €24,000.
Their potential also depends on location and prevailing wind directions. Seaside areas have a natural advantage over landlocked towns.
In favourable conditions, it will take between 7 to 15 years to recover the investment made by savings on energy.
Trials conducted by Sussex University found it could take up to 20 years before getting your money back from a domestic roof-mounted wind turbine in towns and cities where conditions are not so favourable.
Micro wind farms have an average lifespan of 20 years.

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