The first investment by Enemalta company abroad was inaugurated today. The project involves the generation of wind energy through 23 turbines, with an investment of €90 million. It is the result of the partnership that Enemalta made with the Shanghai Electric Power company five years ago.
The project was inaugurated in the presence of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, who said that after this project there is an opportunity for the company to spread its operation abroad.
The wind park in Mozura, Montenegro involves 23 wind turbines spread on 13 kilometres of land with a capacity of generating a maximum of 46 megawatt. The project, completed in three years, is expected to contribute to the development of clean energy in the East of Europe.
Prime Minister Muscat described the investment as as project that marks the start of a new chapter for Maltese investment in the region. The €90 million project was completed by the International Renewable Energy Development company, a consortium between Enemalta, Shanghai Electric Power and other investors.
Dr Muscat added that the project has a historic significance to Enemalta as, apart from being its first international investment, it also represents the fact that from an almost bankrupt company, Enemalta not only stood on its feet within a few years but is also running a project that generates energy abroad.
“Enemalta shareholding majority belongs to the Maltese Government, and therefore to the Maltese and Gozitan people. Today we have another source of income during the years which makes this company sustainable…now I think that there is room for other projects also in other countries”.
Montenegro’s Prime Minister, Duško Marković, stated that the Mozura Project is the second biggest wind farm in the country and will assist it to get closer to European Union targets that a third of the energy is generated from renewable energy. Present for the occasion were Ministers Joe Mizzi, Carmelo Abela and Konrad Mizzi, who was responsible for Enemalta when the project started.
The two Prime Ministers also held talks in the capital Podgorica that included Montenegro’s aspirations for EU membership with Dr Muscat reiterating Malta’s support. Prime Minister Markovic mentioned tourism, health and culture as other opportunities for collaboration between the two countries.