The feasibility of using wind energy in Malta

Abstract

This is an attempt to assess the resource of wind energy in the Maltese Islands, how it can be utilized and to what extent, taking into consideration its impact on the environment of the islands. Since the wind is a fluctuating source of energy, it is difficult to persuade a traditional economic sector to utilize it as a practical energy resource. It may appear so restricting to some, that to research its possibilities, would constitute a waste of public funds. Yet it is desirable that every country decreases its dependence on fossil fuels, especially when these have to be imported at large financial outlays. Al though wind data for the Maltese islands, has been consistently available for a long number of years, it is still not enough to provide an accurate resource assessment. The available data is of a single point type, specifically located in an essentially 3 dimensional wind regime. Calculations on such data, notwithstanding their complexity, must be based on simplifying assumptions. Still, the available data can be used to indicate at least a range of resource expectations. It also highlights the need for further field research by the installation of more wind recording apparatus in different specific sites, at different levels. Although wind energy is a renewable source, its supply rate is finite. This is determined by the general meteorological conditions and the space available for wind turbine farms. The following calculations show that the potential wind energy over the Maltese islands is small when compared to the present demand. There is a substantial period of time during which the turbines would stand idle because of low energy winds, but this is more than compensated with the length of time during which the usable wind energy is of good quality. Ideal space is perhaps the most serious limiting factor, and the situation is aggravated by the fact that most of the ideal sites are of high scenic value. Social and economic pressures for further land development continue to restrict available space. In a society managed by economic principles founded on the theory of "No limit to growth", the scope of using the finite wind energy source becomes narrower over the years.