From February 3 to 7, 2025, the Portuguese Agency for Energy – ADENE in coordination with the municipality of Gozo, hosted a three-day study tour in Malta as part of the meetMED Twinning Cities Agreements. Delegations from the municipalities of Jenin and Tulkarm (Palestine), alongside representatives from the Maltese Energy and Water Agency (EWA) and Palestinian Energy and Natural Resources Authority (PENRA) attended the event.

The tour kicked off with remarks from the CEO of the Gozo Regional Development Authority, followed by insightful presentations on Malta’s energy sector and its journey towards climate neutrality and sustainability. Representatives from Tulkarm and Jenin also shared insights. EWA delivered a presentation focusing on their work, particularly on projects in Gozo. Additionally, a representative from the Ministry for Gozo and Planning provided an overview of the EcoGozo Directorate’s recent projects, which include: Transitioning public transport from fossil fuels to electric buses and Community-based initiatives for sustainable energy production.

The presentations and discussions over the two days extended beyond the project’s main focus on energy efficiency, centering significantly on the water-energy nexus. Addressing key challenges, such as water scarcity and the need for efficient water management emerged as critical concerns for the participating cities.

Highlights from Site Visits

Participants engaged in site visits, exploring innovative solutions in sustainable practices, including:

• Hondoq Reverse Osmosis Water Desalination Plant – Exploring advanced clean water production techniques.
• Ras il-Hobz Water Treatment Plant – Reviewing modern wastewater treatment technologies.
• Magro Food Village – A leader food processing company combining tradition with environmental sustainability through renewable energy initiatives.
• Santa Lucija Boutique Hotel – An eco-friendly establishment utilizing geothermal heating to minimize carbon emissions.

This study tour not only fostered collaboration among municipalities but also emphasized the importance of sustainable energy and water resource management in addressing shared challenges.