Construction starts on Addu solar energy system

Construction of a solar energy system in Addu City – one of the five islands the government has planned to run the project – was inaugurated on Monday.

Total 2.5 megawatts of electricity will be generated through solar power ones the systems are established in Addu City, B. Goidhoo, Lh. Kurendhoo, Th. Burini and G. A. Vilingili.

Ministry of Environment said that the USD 5 million project run in the five islands in funded through non-reimbursable financial aid by Asia Development Bank (ADB).

The project in Addu was inaugurated in a ceremony held at Hithadhoo School on Monday, during which Minister of Environment and Energy, Thoriq Ibrahim himself participated in installing solar panels on the roof of the school.

Speaking during the ceremony, Thoriq said that the solar system in Addu would produce 1.6 megawatts of electricity.

He said that the solar energy system in Addu would be established at a cost of approximately USD 2 million, and that the work would be done within July.

Thoriq said that financial backing for additional renewable energy projects in other parts of Addu City had also been provided by ADB.

Minister Thoriq participating in installing solar panels on roof of Hithadhoo school during inauguration of construction of solar energy system in Addu City, on May 30, 2016. Photo: Environment Ministry

During his speech, Thoriq said that Maldives was making great progress in renewable energy as part of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s vow to ensure that everyone had access to electricity.

He said that renewable energy systems established in Maldives had been doubled during the two-and-a-half years Yameen has been in office.

“The aim of the government is to generate 30 percent of the daytime peak load of electricity in all inhabited islands of the country through renewable energy sources,” said Thoriq.

He said that establishing renewable energy systems in the country would decrease state expenditure on fuel, and lessen the negative impact on the environment.