The government has inaugurated hybrid solar systems at 25 islands in Raa Atoll and Baa Atoll.
As per a statement from the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Technology, the government worked together with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) to establish 6.4 megawatt solar photovoltaic (PV) hybrid electricity systems in 25 islands within Raa Atoll and Baa Atoll, with them being officially inaugurated today.
The ministry said this was done to increase energy safety in Maldives, to reduce dependency on imported diesel and was an important step in realizing environmental goals.
The project was inaugurated today during a ceremony held at R. Kinolhas, and was under another project named "Preparing Outer Islands for Sustainable Energy Development (POISED)".
This time around, the project was established at R. Alifushi, R. Vaadhoo, R. Rasgetheemu, R. Angolhitheemu, R. Maakurath, R. Rasmaadhoo, R. Innamaadhoo, R. Mudavvari, R. Inguraidhoo, R. Fainu, R. Meedhoo, R. Kinolhas, R. Hulhudhuffaaru, R. Kudarikilu, B. Kamadhoo, B. Kendhoo, B. Kihaadhoo, B. Dhonfaru, B. Dharavandhoo,. B Maalhos, B. Eydhafushi, B. Thulhaadhoo, B. Hithaadhoo, B. Fulhadhoo and B. Fehendhoo.
Details regarding the POISED Project
- The main purpose of the project is to change diesel-powered electricity system at 160 islands to solar PV hybrid systems.
- Under the project, work at 72 islands have concluded, with hybrid systems currently being used.
- Establishing a 13.4 megawatt total peak solar PV and 10.6 megawatts per hour Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the islands.
- Affixing the Energy Management Systems (EMS) which are required for the systems and to make the necessary grid upgrades.
- Providing a 27 megawatt diesel generator.
The ministry stated the systems that have been inaugurated today at 25 islands includes a 6.36 megawatt total peak solar PV and 10 megawatt per hour BESS's. The ministry also stated the systems will be able to produce 10.4 gigawatts per hour of clean energy per year, and because of it, more than 3 million liters of diesel will be saved, and will see a reduction of 8,400 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere.
Along with the islands where the systems were inaugurated, a total of 97 islands have seen the POISED Project be finished, where a 19.8 megawatt total solar PV capacity and 20.6 megawatt per hour battery storage was established and will be put to use, as per the ministry.
The ministry went on to say the work is being carried out at an additional 23 islands., with the system to be established at every inhabited island by the end of next year.
According to the ministry, the POISED Project is a project meant to aid Maldives achieve its energy goals. The government's aim is to ensure 33 percent of the electricity being used in Maldives comes from renewable energy, with it to be achieved by the end of 2028.
