Maldives to Add 330MW of Renewable Energy to Reach 2030 Targets

The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy has announced a major expansion of the national grid, aiming to add 330 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy capacity through a series of ongoing and planned projects. This initiative is a cornerstone of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's energy policy framework, which seeks to increase the nation's renewable energy consumption to 33 percent by 2030. According to Director General Ahmed Ali, these new installations will supplement the existing 110 MW of clean energy, significantly narrowing the gap toward the government's sustainability goals. The strategy employs a diverse portfolio of initiatives distributed across Malé and numerous inhabited islands throughout the archipelago. Currently, the government is installing 164 MW of solar photovoltaic hybrid systems across 101 islands. To manage the intermittent nature of solar power and ensure a stable electricity supply, the ministry is also establishing 158 MW of battery energy storage capacity and upgrading distribution infrastructure across multiple islands. Funding for these projects is being secured through a multi-faceted approach, combining public initiatives, special zone investments, and private sector partnerships. To address immediate energy needs, the government has invested heavily over the last two years to guarantee 24-hour electricity for all communities, installing 157 generators with a combined capacity of 115 MW and building new power plants on six islands to keep pace with population growth. One of the most significant upcoming projects is a 100 MW floating solar photovoltaic system planned for the Special Economic Zone, with a power purchasing agreement currently being finalized. This project has sparked considerable international interest, with 150 renewable energy companies expressing a desire to partner with the Maldivian government. Ahmed Ali noted that the Ministry of Finance is now conducting feasibility studies to evaluate these international proposals and identify the most viable opportunities for further expanding the nation's renewable energy capacity.