Maldives Accelerates Renewable Energy Projects to Reach 33% Target by 2028

The Maldives is accelerating the rollout of multiple renewable energy initiatives to fundamentally transform the nation's energy sector. Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Ali Shareef announced that a significant number of these projects are expected to be completed by the end of next year. These efforts align with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s strategic plan to increase the share of renewable energy in the national electricity generation to 33 percent by the end of 2028. To achieve this, the government is implementing a series of solar and battery storage projects across Malé and the various atolls. Minister Shareef highlighted recent progress, noting that 6.5-megawatt solar PV systems have recently begun operations in Raa Atoll. Additionally, the ARISE project is currently installing 11 megawatts of solar PV systems, with the 1.2-megawatt installation in Eydhafushi already fully operational. Further expansions include a 14.5-megawatt project already awarded to a contractor and dedicated renewable energy planning for Addu City. According to the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, the successful completion of all ongoing and planned initiatives will add 330 megawatts of renewable energy capacity to the national grid. This includes the installation of 5.88 megawatts across 23 islands in Kaafu, Alif Alif, Alif Dhaalu, and Vaavu atolls, and the design review for 40 megawatts of battery energy storage systems across 18 islands. The Maldives has seen rapid growth in this sector over the last two years, with total installed renewable capacity climbing from 53 megawatts to 116 megawatts. To ensure energy security and stability, the government is also establishing 158 megawatts of battery energy storage and rapidly upgrading electricity distribution networks across the archipelago. "We are currently discussing an even larger project," Minister Shareef stated, emphasizing that the goal is to have a substantial portion of the 2028 targets implemented this year, with many official inaugurations scheduled for next year.