State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) has upgraded the old powerhouse in V. Felidhoo with a state-of-the-art power plant; a very well-received upgrade after 30 years of noise pollution in the island.
Hussain Fahmy, the Managing Director of STELCO, officially unveiled the new facility on February 1, marking a pivotal moment for the island community. During the inauguration ceremony, Fahmy underscored the advanced features of the plant, notably its modern design engineered to reduce engine noise.
Additionally, he highlighted the incorporation of a fire extinguishing system, on-site employee accommodations, and a dedicated training hall for staff development. Fahmy also announced the establishment of a customer service building aimed at enhancing service delivery to residents.
The Felidhoo Island Council welcomed the decommissioning of the old power plant’s generators, which had long been a source of inconvenience due to their noise and emissions. The introduction of the new power plant is anticipated to alleviate these issues and foster a more pleasant living environment for locals.
Originally commissioned on January 31, 1994, the previous power station in Felidhoo operated as a public utility, with a 25 kW generator providing electricity to the island. Following STELCO’s assumption of management in 2014, efforts to enhance service provision began in response to the escalating demand for electricity.
The upgrades, including the installation of generators with capacities of 304 kW, 250 kW, and 500 kW, have significantly bolstered the island’s power infrastructure, raising the overall capacity to 1,054 kW. This expansion underscores STELCO’s dedication to meeting the evolving energy requirements of the local community.