Malta’s Irrinova Darek scheme is a five-year programme designed to accelerate energy-saving upgrades in the country’s building stock while easing the financial burden on low-to-moderate income households. Administered by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), the scheme dovetails with both EU and national climate targets by subsidising measures that cut household energy use, improve comfort, and curb emissions.
Aims and Objectives
The scheme promotes energy-efficient renovations in residential properties. It builds on the 2022 pilot and supports national and EU energy performance targets, especially for low- to medium-income households.
Target Region for 2026: Southern Region
Localities: Birżebbuġa, Fgura, Għaxaq, Gudja, Ħamrun, Luqa, Marsascala, Marsaxlokk, Qormi, Raħal Ġdid, Santa Luċija, Santa Venera, Tarxien, Xgħajra, Żabbar and Żejtun.
Project Phases and Application Process
Phase 1 – Registration (19th January – 28th February 2026)
- Submit ID card, and proof of ownership (final deed of sale) and site plan.
- Apply via BCA online portal.
Phase 2 – Full Application
- Upload EPC, façade photos, BOQ, and technical documents.
- Refund of up to €875 to cover professional fees after submission of all documentation even if property does not reach required level as long as effort shown to reach eligibility.
Phase 3 – Grant Agreement & Renovation
- Sign and return agreement
- Notify BCA 5 days before works start
Eligible Works
- Replacement of apertures
- Insulation of building envelope
- Insulation of roof
- Insulation of exposed floors and floors to unconditioned spaces
- Installation of renewable energy sources.
- Draught control and improvement of airtightness
- Shading
- Installation and connection of second-class water systems.
- Replacement of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems or parts of systems with more efficient systems or parts of systems.
- Installation of energy efficient lighting or systems enabling the introduction of natural lighting.
- Installation of water heater, solar water heater or heat-pump water heater.
Ineligible Works
- Renovations outside approved scope
- Properties which have a commercial use
- Buildings which have a non-residential use
- Properties with enforcement cases or pending permits
- Decorative, bathroom, kitchen upgrades not linked to energy efficiency
- Properties which have already benefitted from a renovation grant scheme within the last five years.
- Properties that have any stand-alone boilers powered by fossil fuels installed.
Funding Criteria and Grant
Grants cover 75% of eligible costs as a baseline, rising to 90% for applicants on Malta’s In-Work Benefit.
| Beneficiary Type | Co Funding |
|---|---|
| Couples or Singles with ‘In-Work Benefit*’ | 90% |
| Couples or Singles without ‘In-Work Benefit*’ | 75% |
*The In-Work Benefit in Malta is designed to support families with children in gainful employment by providing financial assistance. It is for couples and single parents who are employed and have dependent children under the age of 23 living with them. For Customer Care service kindly contact local servizz.gov hubs.
- Maximum Capital Grant: Up to €15,000
- Professional Fees Support: Up to €875 (refundable in stages)
- PV Systems: 50% co-funding
- Solar/Heat Pump Water Heater: Additional grant up to €1,000
Monitoring & Reimbursement
- BCA may conduct site visits
- Interim payment possible (max. 50%)
- Final payment after full completion, EPC audit, and verified receipts
- Deadline for works and receipt submission: 15th May 2027
- Refunds only based on items listed in the Letter of Conditional Approval