The South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP) Maldives was inaugurated yesterday in Malé, marking an important development in the region’s pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. This initiative, led by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), aims to enhance clean energy practices throughout South Asia.
The launch event began with a welcome address by Mr. Gabriel Grau, Mission Director for USAID/Sri Lanka & Maldives, followed by an overview of USAID SAREP presented through a short video. A notable highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between USAID and the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy. The MOU was signed by Minister H.E. Thoriq Ibrahim on behalf of the Ministry, and by Dr. Alexandria Huerta, Acting Mission Director of USAID/India & Bhutan, and Mr. Gabriel Grau for USAID.
In his inaugural address, Minister Thoriq Ibrahim reiterated the Maldives’ dedication to enhancing energy efficiency and integrating advanced energy solutions, expressing gratitude for USAID’s support. He emphasised the importance of such partnerships in addressing the unique energy challenges faced by small island nations.
Mr. Michael Schiffer, Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Asia at USAID, delivered the keynote address, underscoring the critical role of regional collaboration in achieving energy sustainability.
Dr. Alexandria Huerta, in her closing remarks, highlighted the anticipated impact of SAREP on improving energy access and reliability in the Maldives and across the region. She outlined the planned activities under SAREP Maldives, which include developing regulations to improve the existing regulatory environment, demand forecasting, a smart meter roll-out roadmap, and expanding the Maldives standards and labelling programme to include additional appliances such as water pumps, water heaters, and fans. Additionally, a guidebook for energy management in schools will be developed, and capacity-building initiatives will be implemented to equip stakeholders to support these efforts effectively.
The event saw participation from representatives of various ministries and organisations, including the Utility Regulatory Authority, STELCO, FENAKA, Maldives Customs Service, Housing Development Corporation (HDC), and the Maldives National Association of Construction Industry (MNACI).
SAREP aims to support regional priorities in improving access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy, sharing best practices, and lessons learned among South Asian countries. The partnership focuses on regional energy market integration, advanced energy solutions and systems, utility modernisation, investment mobilisation, and best value procurement.
