Disused landfill to be Gozo solar farm

A significant part of Gozo’s former landfill, known as Qortin, will soon be converted into the island’s first solar farm, The Times has learnt. A spokesman for the Government confirmed the project was “already in an advanced planning stage” with the aim of transforming the area into a solar energy production site. A source close to the project revealed that around 6,000 square metres of rehabilitated landfill will be used for the installation of some 2,700 photovoltaic panels. Preliminary studies show the farm could produce 900,000 electricity units a year. A two-person household is estimated to consume about 10 electricity units a day, without an air conditioner. The source said this venture will be used as a pilot project, and if successful, may be used on a much larger scale for the Magħtab landfill in Malta. The landfill was closed down in 2004 after 30 years of acting as the dump for all the waste produced in Gozo, particularly construction material. Qortin one of several other planned solar farm projects Through a €3.5 million investment from EU funds the area is now being rehabilitated. Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi has said the Government was devising plans to give...