The Maldives reaffirmed its commitment to renewable energy transition at the 15th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) held in Abu Dhabi. Representing the Maldives, Minister of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim outlined the nation’s significant progress in renewable energy adoption and its ambitious targets for the future.
The Maldives has set a target to generate 33% of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2028. Since this target was announced, the country’s renewable energy capacity has increased from 53 MW to 70 MW within a year. Ongoing plans to add another 170 MW reflect a focused strategy on scaling up renewable energy infrastructure and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
During discussions at the Assembly, Minister Thoriq emphasised the need for investments in grid modernisation and expansion. These improvements are seen as critical for integrating renewable energy sources effectively, enhancing energy system reliability, and ensuring sustainable growth in the sector. The Maldives’ efforts align with global calls for significant infrastructure investments to support renewable energy transitions.
The Maldives’ progress in renewable energy development was presented as a success story among small island nations. The achievements are attributed to strategic planning, coordinated efforts across multiple stakeholders, and strong leadership driving the energy transformation agenda. This positions the Maldives as a leader in renewable energy efforts in the region.
The IRENA Assembly is a key platform for countries to strategise on global renewable energy transitions. This year’s agenda focused on achieving the “UAE Consensus,” which includes tripling global renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030. The Maldives’ participation reinforced its role as an advocate for sustainable energy and climate action on the international stage.
