Ministry of Environment has revealed the 5 megawatts renewable energy project established on the highway connecting Hulhule' and Hulhumale' is an opportunity for private companies to invest in the renewable energy sector of Maldives.
In efforts to enable production of electricity to provide power to Male' City through solar energy, solar panels will be installed on the highway. The initiative to reduce fuel costs under the Accelerating Sustainable Private Investments in Renewable Energy (ASPIRE) is a project undertaken by the government and World Bank. As part of the project, 5 megawatts of electricity would be generated from the solar panels.
Surveys are ongoing to inquire the feasibility of the project, according to the environment ministry. The government is also currently seeking a contractor for the project.
Speaking to PSM News, Director General at Ministry of Environment Ahmed Ali said under the project solar panels will be installed on the highway along with some government offices. Moreover, Ahmed Ali stated power generated by solar panels installed by private parties will be bought by State Electric Company (STELCO) connecting the network to the main grid that supplies electricity. He expressed the solar panels are to be installed 10 to 12-feet-high in an allocated shed.
The project is conducted as power purchase model under the ASPIRE project of World Bank. Previously, under the ASPIRE project, 1.5-megawatt solar panels were installed in housing units in Hulhumale'.
The government aims to generate 20 megawatts of electricity through solar energy in Maldives.