Given that Malta is almost constantly bathing in sunshine and a recent push for renewable energy sources, it was only a matter of time before solar power gets applied to a number of different areas. The most recent case is a Safi roundabout which will have its irrigation system and electrical features run solely on solar-powered energy, hopefully setting the standard for the rest of the island.
10 kilos of CO2 avoided daily
The €56,000 investment is the first of its kind in Malta and was carried out by Ambjent Malta together with with Safi Local Council and the Environmental Landscapes Consortium (ELC) as the contractor. Inaugurated by Environment Minister Aaron Farrugia on Tuesday, this project is just one part of a number of projects to be conducted together with ELC, with over €350,000 invested for new embellishment projects with the consortium.
The energy provided by the solar panels will fuel the irrigation system to water the shrubs around the roundabout and the fountain, as well as the LED lighting system. Using the model should save around 10kg of CO2 emissions every single day.
Farrugia explained that this is a model that other local councils can follow. “This project is a small example of how local councils and other entities can come together to create sustainable projects – in this case, coupling renewable energy with urban embellishment to set an example, improve our urban landscape, benefit pollinators and reap the benefits of solar energy,” the minister said.
Safi Mayor Johan Mula also revealed that the local council wanted this project to be completely environmentally friendly right from the beginning, so much so that even the types of plants planted were carefully thought of. Not only are they pollinator-friendly, but they’re suitable for the Maltese climate and do not require excessive watering, ensuring that the project is thoroughly sustainable and no resources are wasted.
This project follows a similar case for a Rabat pavement which also got the solar treatment that provides up to 40% of the street’s lighting energy.
Should all Maltese roundabouts be given this kind of treatment?
