Asian Development Bank (ADB)'s Director for South Asia Energy Division Priyantha Wijayatunga on Thursday, announced its decision to host an Energy Conference in Maldives at the end of 2020's first quarter.
Speaking at the ceremony held at Hotel Jen in capital city Male', to mark the 48 newly integrated solar-diesel hybrid power plants across eight atolls, established under its 'Preparing Outer Islands for Sustainable Energy Development Project' (POISED) initiative, Director Wijayatunga stated that preparations were underway to host an event to showcasing the latest technologies in renewable energy and how small island states can benefit from the advancements.
ADB operations in Maldives support efforts to enhance overall energy efficiency, improve urban infrastructure and services, develop micro, small and medium enterprises, and strengthen the capacity of the government in various sectors.
Notably, ADB has granted USD 35 million for the Greater Male' Environment Improvement and Waste Management Project as well as issuing USD 11 million to implement high tech systems for cross border control.
ADB has collaborated with Maldives since 1978 and has committed loans, grants, and technical assistance worth USD 315.4 million as of June, 2019.