Minister for Environment and Energy Miriam Dalli highlighted the significance of this initiative, describing it as part of a broader effort to deliver concrete climate-action projects.

“When we established the Climate Action Authority, we wanted not only a regulatory authority, but also a proactive authority that pushes forward projects that make a difference. This is a positive example of collaboration between different entities, from which we will see many more.”

“They are among the most environmentally aware, and it is satisfying for them to see that these projects are being carried out in their schools. This helps them understand how what we speak about and what they aspire to can become tangible. There is no doubt that in this way we continue to instil more courage in them so that they also take action in their daily lives.”

Minister Dalli stressed the educational value of the project.

She further noted that Malta’s climate efforts have been recognised in independent analyses by the National Audit Office and the Climate Scanner framework.

“As a ministry we are committed to making our schools a living model of sustainability. Projects like this not only strengthen the infrastructure of our schools but also offer a real educational opportunity for our children to understand, see and live the values of clean energy. This collaboration is another step toward building more modern, efficient and sustainable schools, and we will continue working to ensure that this approach is expanded to more schools across the country.”

Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima emphasised.

The first four schools to benefit from this initiative are:

• Għargħur Primary School

• St Benedict College, Kirkop

• St Clare Primary School, San Ġwann

• St Nicholas College, Wardija Primary

The photovoltaic systems in these schools will have a total capacity of 228 kWp, which is enough to supply energy to around 83 households per year and contribute to a reduction of about 139 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.

Abigail Cutajar, Chief Executive of the Climate Action Authority, explained that work on the project began immediately after signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry for Education a few months ago.

“This is an important project for an authority that has existed for just over a year. Based on its model, we will implement other projects. When we appointed Climate Coordinators in every ministry, this was to make our work more effective — and indeed, this is not our first collaboration. We participated in a voucher scheme providing vulnerable families with free water carbon filters, and with Transport Malta and the University of Malta we collaborated on solar car-port projects where students designed the ideas, which we now need to plan how to bring to life. This is the approach we have adopted and will continue working with.”

This project is part of Malta’s ongoing efforts to make schools a model of sustainability while contributing to meaningful climate action that benefits both students and the wider community.

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