Tender process launched to obtain an 8 megawatt engine

Government has started the tender process to obtain an 8 megawatt engine and complimentary equipment to solve the problem of electricity shortage in Male’.

Tender process was launched by STELCO Managing Director Abdul Shukoor, in a ceremony held at Environment Ministry on Wednesday.

The 8 megawatt engine is to be used by STELCO to generate electricity for Male’.

The 8 megawatt engine is part of phase two of “Preparing Outer Islanders for Sustainable Energy Development” (POISED). It is part of government policy to reduce dependency on imported energy, increase usage of renewable energy sources available in Maldives, and reduce wastage of fuel.

Speaking during the ceremony, Environment Minister Toriq Ibrahim said that the ADB Grant Assistance funded engine was being sought by government to provide an immediate solution to the electricity shortage in Male’.

Minister Toriq said that the tender process had been launched and that it was expected the generator would be in use in third quarter of 2016.

Minister Toriq said that as electricity usage continues to increase in Male’, the quantity of electricity should also be increased.

He said that government was evaluating ways to increase renewable energy sources as part of the same project. He said that government had plans to establish a 1.6 megawatt renewable energy system in Addu. And that renewable energy system of 900 kilowatts would be established in Gaaf Alif Atoll Vilingili, Lhaviyani Atoll Neykurendhoo, Baa Atoll Goidhoo, and Thaa Atoll Burunee. He said that the tender process of these projects were at evaluation phase.

“We are trying to complete work on this and assign them to someone by end of this year,” said Ministerr Toriq.

Meanwhile, Minister Toriq also revealed plans to establish renewable energy systems in four areas of Male’, in association with STELCO. He said that proposals for this project too were at evaluation phase.

He also said that government planned to run similar projects in Hulhumale’ as well.