Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology has estimated a cost of USD11 million for the removal and relocation of solar panels installed on the Hulhule’-Hulhumale link road. The ministry made the statement following President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's announcement that the solar panels on the link road would be removed and relocated.
President-elect Muizzu made the decision to remove the solar panels after public complaints about the diminishing scenic view and concerns regarding the safety of bridge users. He also affirmed that his administration is committed to the removal of the solar panels and their relocation to a designated island
Additionally, the ministry highlighted the completion of the solar panel installation project, with the final stage of connection to the State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) grid currently in progress. As such, the ministry highlighted that relocating the panels would impose a financial burden on the state, estimating the cost at around USD11 million if the solar panels were to be removed and placed on another island.
The government had explored multiple locations for solar panel installation in the past. However, it was conveyed this year that the Greater Male' Region lacked sufficient available space and the link road was deemed unsuitable for various other projects. The government's assessment of accidents on the link road and the safety measures recommended by project contractors and engineers have also been considered in the decision-making.
The installation of the 5MW solar power system on the Hulhule’-Hulhumale’ link road was financially supported by the World Bank as part of the Accelerating Sustainable Private Investment in Renewable Energy (ASPIRE) initiative. Thailand-based Ensys Company Limited was awarded the project and is also responsible for its ongoing maintenance. The initiative stands as the largest project of its kind in the Maldives under the second phase of ASPIRE. The solar power system is anticipated to significantly reduce the country's reliance on fossil fuels and enable the government to save USD1.3 million annually.