PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND PUBLIC CLEANLINESS Residential street lighting retrofit project launched

Reduction of 3,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year

Over 34,000 conventional luminaires in Malta's residential and distributor roads will be replaced with modern LED fittings by the end of 2028, delivering over 60% energy savings. This is equivalent to a reduction of 3,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

Minister for Energy Miriam Dalli, together with Enemalta Executive Chairman Inġ. Ryan Fava, visited Fgura where 540 luminaires are currently being replaced, marking the first step in this nationwide effort. The €13 million project will see outdated high-pressure sodium lights substituted with state-of-the-art LED luminaires that consume less than half the power of existing units.

“This investment reduces energy consumption and emissions while delivering safer and more sustainable communities. Through projects like this, we are ensuring that the transition to cleaner energy is felt in every town and village, directly improving the quality of life for our people," said Minister Miriam Dalli.

The initiative will also significantly reduce maintenance costs, since LED technology lasts twice as long as traditional lighting. This is a direct benefit for local councils, who are responsible for maintaining much of Malta's residential lighting network.

Environmental and community considerations have been central to the project's design. The new luminaires are full cut-off, eliminating light pollution and protecting the night sky. Their warm white (3000 K) colour temperature is less intrusive to residents and less disruptive to biodiversity, ensuring a balance between energy efficiency, safety, and environmental protection.

This project builds on the nationwide retrofitting programme on arterial roads successfully implemented by the Energy and Water Agency, extending its benefits to every locality in Malta.

Inġ. Ryan Fava, Executive Chairman of Enemalta plc, stated, “In line with Enemalta's commitment to modernise Malta's electricity and lighting infrastructure, this project marks another important step in improving efficiency, reliability and sustainability, while delivering tangible environmental and financial benefits to our communities," said.