Update and expand the scope of biosystems engineering programs of studies placing emphasis in the areas of bio-fuels, bio-materials and quality of products in Malta

Abstract

Malta has limited freshwater and land resources, a high population density and poor soil fertility making the country complete dependent on imports to satisfy national food requirements. The Institute for Prospective Technological Studies of the Joint Research Centre issued a report in 2003 in which it specifically states that Malta has a rather small territory, and notes that there is no potential for production of feedstock for either biodiesel (rapeseed or sunflower) or for bioethanol (wheat, sugar beet, maize or potatoes) production. Malta has no refineries, natural gas, gas network or interconnections. Malta is practically totally dependent upon imported fossil fuels for its energy needs. Coal for electricity generation used to be imported until the 1990s but was stopped for environmental reasons. Since Malta has negligible potential of agriculture-based biofuels production potential and is dependent on importation of fuel to meet its energy needs, there exists a strong motivator to find means to increase fuel diversity and to use renewable and indigenous energy sources.