Work has officially begun on the Maldives’ landmark 100 MW Project Solar City, a major floating-solar installation that represents one of the country’s most significant steps toward renewable energy adoption. The project forms the central infrastructure of the Maldives’ first Special Economic Zone, signalling the start of a new phase in large-scale energy development.
According to the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, the project has now moved from planning to execution. Material delivery, shore protection and land dredging are underway after the authorities granted practical work permissions required for on-site activity.
Valued at USD 187 million, with more than USD 100 million dedicated to renewable energy components, the initiative aims to install a massive floating solar platform in a lagoon in Male’ Atoll. Once completed, the platform will generate 100 MW of electricity and feed it into the national grid through an undersea cable.
The government awarded Canadian company Abraxas Power Corporation the contract to implement the facility, following its approval for the first phase in April last year. Sangro Power Supply Co. is serving as the technical partner for the project.
The Ministry has set 2027 as the completion target for the full development.
Project Solar City is part of the government’s wider national energy strategy, which seeks to convert 33 percent of the country’s energy consumption to renewable sources within the designated timeline. Officials estimate that reaching this target could save the nation around USD 42 million each year in fuel expenses.
