Maldives Participates in 17th International Energy Forum, Highlights Renewable Energy Goals

The Republic of Maldives has participated in the 17th International Energy Forum, an international forum focused on energy security, held on the 11th of this month in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Maldives was represented at the forum by State Minister Dr. Muawiyathu Mohammed. The Energy Forum is one of the largest forums held to conduct international discussions aimed at strengthening the energy sector. During the forum, extensive discussions were held on strengthening the work of service providers in a sustainable manner to ensure energy security. In particular, discussions were held on promoting electricity generation in environmentally friendly and island-friendly ways, and on reducing harmful gases emitted into the atmosphere. Ideas were also presented on bringing further investments into the sector in a sustainable manner by taking a long-term perspective, and on how financial assistance could be increased. The meeting also highlighted strengthening the relationship between service providers and service recipients, and ways in which services can be obtained with fairness and ease. The Ministry of the Environment noted that, thanks to this meeting, a number of ideas and discussions were contributed toward expanding Maldives' energy sector. Maldives being formed of separate islands is the greatest challenge in delivering electricity services. However, a number of efforts are being made in Maldives to strengthen electricity services, including establishing facilities to ensure electricity security and making large expenditures on renewable energy. The government's target is to increase Maldives' share of renewable energy to 33% by the end of 2028.