Veligandu Maldives Resort Island has successfully completed its Solar Energy Initiative, marking a major step towards sustainable island operations. Following two weeks of testing, the resort can now run entirely on solar energy for up to eight hours a day under optimal sunny conditions, significantly reducing reliance on diesel generators and lowering its carbon footprint.
The project, launched in July 2024, was developed in partnership with Austrian solar technology company Swimsol. After several months of design and planning, the first phase—without battery storage—was completed ahead of Veligandu’s grand reopening on 10 November 2024. The final phase, featuring a 1,668-kW battery storage system, was completed on 19 September 2025.
The system includes 3,003 solar panels capable of generating 1,441 kW of power. Combined with the new battery storage technology, it enables the resort to save an estimated 4,750 kilograms of CO₂ emissions each day.
“This is an incredible milestone for Veligandu and for sustainable tourism in the Maldives,” said Fathuhulla Ibrahim, General Manager of Veligandu Maldives Resort Island. “On a good-weather day, we can now power the entire island purely through solar energy, allowing our generators to rest for up to eight hours, something unimaginable just a year ago. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our Owners for their vision and investment in a greener tomorrow.”
He added that the change is both symbolic and practical: “For the first time in 40 years, guests visiting our back-of-house area can experience the generator room in complete silence, a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come.”
Ahmed Shaheen, Chief Commercial Leader of Crown & Champa Resorts, noted that the initiative strengthens the Maldives’ position in sustainable tourism. “By integrating renewable energy into our daily operations, we’re not only protecting the fragile environment that makes the Maldives so unique, but also strengthening our competitive position in the luxury travel market,” he said.
Veligandu Maldives plans to expand its renewable energy storage capacity and introduce advanced energy management systems to improve efficiency. The long-term goal is to operate entirely on solar power, establishing the resort as a model for sustainable luxury in the region.
Reopened in November 2024 as a five-star ultra-luxury resort under the Crown & Champa Resorts collection, Veligandu Maldives combines authentic Maldivian warmth with innovative sustainability, redefining what it means to experience barefoot luxury.
