The government in 2024, launched several initiatives for renewable energy and sustainable waste management in a bid to preserve Maldives’ fragile environment and ecosystem.
The Administration of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu had announced bold yet long overdue plans to address the issues, launching several key initiatives last year.
In the beginning of 2024, the total installed capacity of renewable energy was 53 Megawatts which amounted to just four percent of energy consumption in the island nation.
However, this Administration has aimed to turn that figure to 33 percent over the course of the next five years. Under these plans the government has managed to add 15 Megawatts of renewable energy taking the total up to 68 percent in 2024.
The introduction of digital smart meters in Kudahuvadhoo, Dhaalu Atoll by State utility provider Fenaka Corporation Limited last year, was a milestone achievement in the plan to revamp the country’s energy sector. This marks the first time a whole island has been converted to smart meters.
The government has kickstarted efforts to establish three regional waste management centers as part of its efforts to solve the waste management issue plaguing the country. In 2024, wide ranging equipment and resources have been provided to the islands for local waste management.
In addition, a major national waste management initiative dubbed "Magey Saafu Raajje" has been formulated and launched in 2024. Under the project, landfills have been constructed in 17 islands with their management handed over to the respective island councils.
The operation of the waste transfer stations established by the Ministry of Environment and Energy in the capital Male’ and suburb Villingili have been handed over to Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO), aimed at streamlining waste management in the capital region.
When this government took office, water supply systems were installed in 92 islands in the country. However, according to the Ministry, 33 more islands have been added to the list during the short span of the current Administration.
The year 2024 also saw major strides taken towards ensuring the country’s environmental protection and sustainability. A total of 63,401 hectares have been protected in 93 areas to date, to complement the government’s plan establish three biosphere reserves within five years.
Planting five million trees in the Maldives within five years also remains a key pledge of President Muizzu. Under the ambitious project, 450,936 trees have been planted by the end of 2024, while over 70 pledges from various parties have been made to plant 4,219,456 more trees.
Lightning detection networks have been established in three regions of the country, 12 out of 26 damaged automatic weather stations have been repaired and the radar at the airport island Hulhule’ has been repaired and an additional radar has been installed at Gan in Addu City.
These initiatives are part of a wider plan to combat climate change and disaster risk mitigation.
During the High Level Week of the 79th General Assembly of the United Nation, the Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim had hosed special side event dubbed the “Maldives Story.”
Speaking at the event, the President highlighted that Maldives’ renewable energy generation capacity has been increased from 53 Megawatts to 68 Megawatts in the past year.
He also highlighted the opportunities for investment in renewable energy under the Special Economic Zones Act.
Overall, President Muizzu’s Administration has launched several key initiatives aimed at mitigating environment and climate risks faced by the country through sustainable and environment friendly waste management and sewerage systems.