The world's largest floating solar system at sea, featuring 12 platforms, was launched at LUX* South Ari Atoll on Friday.
The 5-star luxury resort partnered with Austrian-Maldivian firm Swimsol, the leading solar provider, which developed the first and only patented floating solar system. Designed to withstand salt water and harsh weather, the system utilises a unique technology named 'SolarSea' to gather solar energy directly on the ocean.
LUX* South Ari Atoll's latest eco-friendly undertaking falls under its pledge to minimise carbon dioxide emissions, as part of its commitment to sustainability. The resort partnered with Swimsol previously to install rooftop solar systems.
“Innovation is key to achieving true sustainability, and we are happy to partner with Swimsol to work towards our goal of minimizing our ecological footprint. As one of the biggest resort islands in the Maldives, we aim to lead the way with eco-tourism and marine conservation work in our region as part of our commitment to good governance, social responsibility and respect for environmental standards”, said Jonas Amstad, General Manager at LUX* South Ari Atoll.
According to LUX*, the addition of 12 SolarSea platforms increased the solar capacity by 40 percent to 678 kilowattpeak, which can power all the villas at the resort during peak sun hours. LUX* highlighted that, in addition to cheaper energy, the increased solar capacity will save over 260,000 litres of diesel annually.
The resort further assured that the SolarSea platforms are beneficial to the ocean as well, as they act as fish-aggregating devices providing shelter for juvenile fish and invertebrates. The platforms are located over a sandy seabed, away from coral reefs. LUX* added that coral larvae that use the platforms to grow into adult colonies can be replanted on the ocean floor.
Noting that the floating SolarSea and rooftop system together make up one of the biggest solar installations in Maldives, LUX* declared that it planned to increase solar capacity in the future.
Regarding the venture, Swimsol Maldives' Managing Director Hussain Simad stated, “Swimsol is the only company with this patented technology in the world right now and our goal is to enable every island to run purely on solar energy. It is a fantastic opportunity to work with LUX* South Ari Atoll to achieve this with their immense support and passionate enthusiasm in making a difference.”
LUX* South Ari asserted its commitment to the success of eco-tourism in Maldives.
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