The largest energy project conducted by the Maldivian government, the Fifth Power Project, will gurantee electricity coverage for the next 10 to 20 years, states State Electric Company Limited (STELCO). Upon completion of the project, the company would be able to provide 50-megawatts of electricity with ease, in turn resolving the electricity shortage faced in Male' and Hulhumale', Managing Director of STELCO Ahmed Zuhoor said.
Ensuring 24 hours of electricity to all inhabitated islands is a major target of the administration of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom. However, State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) faces major obstacles in upgrading the evolving technology at the power station and supplying electricity to the growing population of the capital city. To overcome these obstacles, STELCO launched the Fifth Power Project, which includes providing electricity services to residents of Male' and Hulhumale.
The project initiated with the assistance of China's Dongfang Electric Corporation, is funded by a loan arranged from the Exim Bank of China, according to STELCO. The Fifth Power Project is estimated to cost over USD 104 million. Under this project, six 8.9-megawatt generators will be installed, which the government says marks an important milestone in the development of the country's power sector. Upon completion, the new power plant will have the capacity to generate 50-megawatt of power to Male', Hulhule' and Hulhumale' via the China Maldives Friendship Bridge, STELCO notes.
The new power house, developed under the Fifth Power Project, will be able to cater the growing electricity needs of the residents of Hulhumale', Zuhoor said. The Fifth Power Project will be able to supply the demands for electricity for the next 10 to 20 years, Zuhoor added. STELCO will be able to provide electricity from the new power house by July 2018, he further said.