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Solar Photovoltaic System at Magro Food Village
Published on 11 January 2021
Malta
Malta
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About this good practice
The Magro Brothers Firm is one of the largest food processing companies in Malta. Its main production line is the processing of tomatoes, cheeses and dairy products. The operation of such manufacturing operation is quite energy intensive. Although the plant operates with a regenerative cycle to increase the plant efficiency, the plant consumes around 2,000 MWh annually. In an effort to decrease the building’s energy demand, the industry decided to cover the consumption of the building by installing a solar PV system.
The entire PV system is made up of 1,600 monocrystalline silicon type PV panels with a total peak power of 380 kWp. The annual energy generation in 2018 reached almost 600 MWh which is equivalent to a reduction of 422 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
The practice reaches its objectives since the installation of the PV system completely offsets the conventional energy demanded by the building from renewable energy sources, contributes to the achievement of the 10% share of renewable energy generated and contributes to a cleaner environment by reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
The entire PV system is made up of 1,600 monocrystalline silicon type PV panels with a total peak power of 380 kWp. The annual energy generation in 2018 reached almost 600 MWh which is equivalent to a reduction of 422 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
The practice reaches its objectives since the installation of the PV system completely offsets the conventional energy demanded by the building from renewable energy sources, contributes to the achievement of the 10% share of renewable energy generated and contributes to a cleaner environment by reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Resources needed
Financial Feasibility study to determine the viability of the project; Sources of Funds: The investment for this project were secured through the industry’s own capital and through the Government of Malta which provided a grant of 50% of the eligible funds. Total cost for this project was €372,400.
Evidence of success
The project was successfully realised and the PV panels are fully functional. The energy generated from the PV panels is around 600 MWh and covers over 30% of the plant's energy demand. This translates into an emissions reduction of of 422 tonnes of carbon dioxide. Any excess electrical energy generated and not consumed instantaneously is transferred to the Enemalta grid and sold at a particular feed-in-tariff.
Potential for learning or transfer
The general method by which the project was realized is a very straight-forward practice despite having many different governing bodies involved. Starting from the beginning there was the financial feasibility study which was conducted to determine the viability of the project, the clearance and no objection from the Planning Authority, Enemalta and then Malta Resources Authority (now REWS) as well as the installation of the PV system. This practice is potentially interesting because 30% of the building’s energy demand is covered through the PV system installed. The methodology followed for the realization of the project needs to be more flexible in order to support SMEs and large industries in Malta. There is too much bureaucratic procedures to follow and many entities to go to: PA, Enemalta and REWS. This is in addition to the long administrative processes following the clearance from these entities.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Magro Brothers Group of Companies
Malta
Malta
Contact
Agence Web