On Tuesday 28 May 2025, the Gozo Business Chamber in collaboration with the Greening the Islands Foundation organised a successful workshop as part of the MAESHA project – Demonstration of Smart and Flexible Solutions for a Decarbonised Energy Future in Mayotte and Other European Islands. The event was hosted at the premises of the Gozo Regional Development Authority and conducted in a hybrid format, bringing together local and international stakeholders to explore opportunities for energy transition and climate neutrality in Gozo.

The MAESHA project, funded under the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme, aims to support energy independence and decarbonisation in island communities. Gozo, identified as one of the project’s follower islands, has participated through a study assessing the replicability of the solutions implemented on the island of Mayotte.

The workshop opened with welcome remarks by:

  • Michael Galea, President of the Gozo Business Chamber
  • Juergen Attard, Senior Manager (Research and Policy Development) – Gozo Regional Development Authority
  • Joseph Cutajar, Director – EcoGozo Directorate
  • Gianni Chianetta, CEO – Greening the Islands Foundation

This was followed by an overview of the MAESHA project by Boris Heinz (Greening the Islands Foundation), and an in-depth presentation by Professor Stephen Abela highlighting the opportunities and challenges for Gozo within the energy transition framework. Anna Flessa, representing the project coordination team on this initiatives, shared insights on the replication of smart energy solutions across follower islands.

Another key moment of the event was the presentation by KPMG Malta, which provided an overview of the Climate Neutrality Plan for Gozo, being developed on behalf of the Gozo Regional Development Authority.

A roundtable discussion followed, featuring contributions from:

  • Ing. Abigail Cutajar, CEO – Climate Action Authority
  • Ing. Ryan Fava, Executive Chairman – Enemalta plc
  • Ing. Phyllis Micallef, REWS
  • Ing. Annabelle Formosa, REWS
  • Ing. Manuel Sapiano, CEO – Energy and Water Agency

The discussion addressed national and regional priorities, regulatory frameworks, and the role of energy infrastructure in enabling Gozo’s climate objectives.

In closing, Mr Gianni Chianetta delivered concluding remarks, emphasising the importance of continued collaboration. The final conference of the MAESHA project will also be held in Gozo later this year, marking the culmination of this five-year initiative.

The session was moderated by the CEO of the Gozo Business Chamber – Daniel Borg

Here you can access the presentations delivered:

For more information on the MAESHA project, visit www.maesha.eu