The Maldivian government has signed a landmark agreement to deploy 38 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery energy storage systems (BESS) alongside energy management systems (EMS) across 18 residential islands, as part of its transition to renewable energy. The initiative, backed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the Accelerating Sustainable System Development Using Renewable Energy (ASSURE) project, is expected to significantly reduce diesel dependency and support the integration of solar power.
The Ministry of Tourism and Environment announced the signing of the agreement yesterday, which took place at the ministry’s offices. The contract has been awarded to a consortium of three Chinese companies: Shijiazhuang Kelin Electric Co. Ltd., Gordian Nanjing Automation Co. Ltd., and Sino Soar Hybrid (Beijing) Technology Co. Ltd.
The project will see BESS capacities distributed across the islands as follows: 3,000 kilowatt-hours (KWh) each for Manadhoo, Velidhoo, Thulhaadhoo, Thimarafushi and Faresmaathoda; 2,500 KWh for Milandhoo, Dharavandhoo, Guraidhoo and Gadhdhoo; and capacities ranging from 500 KWh to 2,000 KWh across the remaining islands including Hanimaadhoo, Holhudhoo, Alifushi, and Maamendhoo.
According to the Ministry, this installation is anticipated to save 8.4 million litres of diesel annually and cut fuel expenditure by MVR 125 million. The transition also aligns with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s broader national energy target of shifting 33 percent of the country’s energy consumption to renewables by 2028.
Alongside this development, the government is also pushing forward the “Magey Solar” programme, aimed at expanding solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity by installing systems on rooftops of residential homes and public buildings. The combined effect of the new battery storage systems and additional solar PV installations is expected to improve grid stability and support further solar integration.
Officials from the Ministry and representatives of the contracted companies were present at the signing ceremony, with the event symbolising a key step in the Maldives’ energy transition.
