Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has decides to provide a loan to conduct a Waste to Energy (WtE) and drinking water project in Addu City. The announcement was made at the 10th International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) summit currently ongoing in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
ADFD has allocated a loan facility of USD 14 million to develop the project through IRENA. Under the funding, a regional waste management centre will be developed in Hithadhoo which will be used as a collection centre for waste produced in Addu City, Fuvahmulah City, Gaafu Alifu Atoll and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll and in nearby resorts. The centre will collect non-biodegradable waste which will be used to produce electricity and water by burning them in incinerators, according to Ministry of Environment.
The Government of Maldives received the loan from ADFD amongst various loan proposals from 95 different countries. ADFD has decided to offer USD 104.5 million on renewable energy projects to be run in 8 countries this year.
Minister of Environment Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan, Ambassador of Maldives to UAE Dr. Hussain Niyaz and senior officials from the state utility company, Fenaka Corporation Limited, travelled to UAE to participate in the 10th IRENA summit. Maldives has been conducting several development projects in collaboration with IRENA since the inception of the agency in 2009.