Solar hybrid power project launched across 25 islands

The government has launched a major solar photovoltaic (PV) hybrid power systems project covering 25 islands in Raa and Baa atolls, marking another step in the Maldives’ transition towards renewable energy.

The project was officially launched at a ceremony held in R. Kinolhas today, attended by Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Ali Shareef, senior ministry officials, representatives of the Raa and Baa Atoll Councils, and residents.

According to the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, the project will install a total of 6.4 megawatts (MW) of solar PV generation capacity along with 10 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery energy storage systems across the 25 islands.

The ministry said the hybrid systems are expected to reduce the country’s dependence on diesel-generated electricity by saving an estimated 3 million litres of diesel every year. The project is also expected to lower greenhouse gas emissions while improving the reliability and sustainability of electricity supply in the participating islands.

The Maldives has been expanding renewable energy projects as part of its efforts to reduce fossil fuel consumption, cut electricity generation costs and strengthen energy security. Due to the country’s dispersed geography, most inhabited islands rely on imported diesel for electricity generation, making the transition to renewable energy a key national priority.

The launch of the solar PV hybrid power systems project forms part of the government’s broader clean energy agenda, which aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the national electricity mix and support the Maldives’ climate commitments.