The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology has signed a contract for the installation of 40 MWh capacity Battery Energy Storage Systems across 24 islands in the Maldives.
The project was awarded to a joint venture between China National Technical Import and Export Corporation, Guodian Nanjing Automation Corporation Limited, and Sino Soar Hybrid Technology Corporation Limited. The project will be completed under the Accelerating Renewable-Energy Integration and Sustainable Energy (ARISE) project.
At the signing ceremony, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technology Aminath Shauna said that the energy sector has the potential to directly benefit the economy and the natural environment. She highlighted the major reforms to the sector in the past 10 years, especially the reforms made to the environment and energy laws by the current administration, which has led to more environment-friendly products coming to market.
Also at the ceremony, Senior Project Manager Wang Peitaoi said it was an honour for them to be selected to complete such a major project, and assured that it will be completed in a way that maximises the benefits for the Maldives. He also commended its environment-friendly initiatives.
The Battery Energy Storage Systems will be installed in Hithadhoo, Feydhoo, Maradhoo, Hulhudhoo, and Meedhoo in Addu City, as well as Fonadhoo, Gan, Dhanbidhoo, Isdhoo, Kalaidhoo, Maabaidhoo, Maamendhoo, Kanuhuraa, Hithadhoo, Maavah in Laamu Atoll. The systems will also be installed in Fuvahmulah City, Kulhudhuffushi City, Thinadhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Eydhafushi in Baa Atoll, Hinnavaru and Naifaru in Lhaviyani Atoll, as well as Villingili in Gaafu Alifu Atoll.
The energy storage systems are intended to bolster the high renewable energy penetration of the islands' grids, as well as ensure the efficient operation of existing diesel generators in the solar PV/Diesel hybrid generation mix. The systems will store excess electricity, which will prevent issues such as power outages during times of excess demand.