48 islands commence use of renewable hybrid energy systems

48 islands in the Maldives has established and started to use hybrid renewable energy systems.

A special ceremony was held in the Environment Ministry to commemorate the move. The project named “Preparing Outer Islands for Sustainable Energy Development” is conducted by the Environment Ministry and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to develop the Maldivian energy industry o=in a sustainable manner and increase the use of renewable energy.

The project is the biggest such project to be run. The Ministry stated that hybrid energy systems such as Solar PV, Battery, Diesel Generators and energy management systems were established in the islands under the project. The project will also include work to upgrade the electric power grid of the islands to ensure that energy is not wasted.

The systems established in 48 islands will produce 7.5 megawatts of renewable energy and will increase the total renewable energy produced in the Maldives to 21.5 megawatts. Some of the islands that saw these systems established include Lh. Kurendhoo, G. A. Villingili, B. Goidhoo, and Addu city. 14 islands from H. A. Atoll, 13 from Sh. Atoll, as well as 13 from N. Atoll, saw systems established.

The Ministry also has plans to establish systems of 25 megawatts in islands from 15 different atolls. The government’s Strategic Action Plan aims to increase the amount of renewable energy by 20 percent in 2023 than it was in 2018.