University of Malta academics took centre stage at the recent CETPartnership (CETP) stakeholder event co-hosted by Xjenza Malta, where they presented pioneering research contributing to Malta’s clean energy transition. The event, held on 3 June 2025, brought together key stakeholders from academia, industry, and government to discuss pathways for achieving climate neutrality in line with EU objectives.

During the session dedicated to University of Malta projects awarded under CETP, Prof. Alexander Micallef and Prof. Inġ. John Licari, both from the Department of Electrical Engineering, presented their innovative work that is helping shape the future of sustainable energy.

Prof. Micallef introduced FlexBIT (Flexibility Exploitation for Residential, Tertiary, and Industrial Buildings), a project that explores novel strategies for harnessing demand-side flexibility across diverse building types. By leveraging smart grid technologies, artificial intelligence, and blockchain, FlexBIT aims to enable dynamic energy management that supports grid stability while empowering consumers.

Prof. Licari showcased TenSyGrid (Tensors for System Analysis of Converter-Dominated Power Grids), which addresses the growing complexity of modern power networks increasingly reliant on converter-based generation, such as renewables. Through advanced tensor-based modelling, TenSyGrid seeks to enhance grid analysis and design tools, ensuring resilient, efficient, and secure energy systems.

The University of Malta’s participation in CETP exemplifies its commitment to addressing global challenges through multidisciplinary research and strong partnerships that translate innovation into impact. The CETP stakeholder event also featured panel discussions on offshore renewables, integrated energy systems for islands, and the critical importance of collaboration between science, policy, and industry.

FlexBIT and TenSyGrid are financed by Xjenza Malta through the Clean Energy Transition Partnership under the 2023 joint call for research proposals, co-founded by European Commission (GA N°101069750) and with the funding organizations detailed on Funding Agencies and Call Modules | CETPartnership.

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