EU Co-funded Projects at the MFSA

The Authority in 2014 obtained funding,  approved by the Planning & Priorities Co-Ordination Division (PPCD), co-financed by the European Union, in accordance with the rules of the Cohesion Policy 2007-2013, Operational Programme I “Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life”, European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) programme. The aim of the two sub-projects benefiting from this funding, is to lower the Authority’s overall dependence on electrical mains supply. Each sub-project stands to benefit from a 50% subsidy on cost through the ERDF programme.

One of the sub-projects targeted an aging Chiller installation which was replaced with a newer energy-friendly solution as well as the enhancement of the entire supporting infrastructure. The second sub-project is aimed at setting up a photovoltaic array.  This would somewhat reduce the authority’s dependency on the electrical mains supply through an alternative energy source.

(Sub-project 1) Supply and Installation of Energy Efficient Chiller Solution

Enhancement of Ventilation System – Following a survey done in 2013 to identify how air circulation could be improved, a report was submitted by the Authority’s consulting Engineers with their recommendations; these were implemented as part of this sub-project.   This involved most areas around the premises and required adjustments to pipe-work installed above the ceiling as well as the servicing or replacement of fan coil units.

New Chiller installation – The old chiller system had been in operation for nearly 20 years, requiring substantial energy input to operate.   This was replaced with a modern energy efficient chiller offering a more energy efficient operation. The installation was carried out efficiently without any major disruptions to day-to-day operations.

The works in relation to this sub-project began in June 2014 and were concluded by September of the same year.

(Sub-project 2) Supply and installation of a Photovoltaic Array

Involved the installation of a photovoltaic array, utilising the Authority’s available roof space to accommodate sufficient photovoltaic panels to offer 50.12Kw peak output. The now active installation covers approximately 10% of the Authority’s annual consumption.  Though this may not seem significant at face value, it must be read in the context of substantial electrical consumption as well as reliance on electrical supply to power, among others, the 24-by-7 operation of critical data stores that make part of the Authority’s IT Infrastructure. This in addition to a still growing complement of staff members, mostly knowledge workers, who rely extensively on IT equipment and related ancillary services, such as printing, to perform their day to day jobs. The project was completed in 2015.