Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), has unveiled ambitious plans to convert 90% of the energy used at Velana International Airport (VIA) to renewable sources within the next two years. This significant shift aligns with the broader national strategy to increase the contribution of renewable energy to the country’s total energy usage.
Currently, renewable energy sources account for only 4% of the Maldives’ total energy consumption. The government aims to develop renewable energy systems to cover 33% of the nation’s electrical needs within the next five years. Shareef highlighted MACL’s dedication to this goal, detailing substantial plans to transition VIA to renewable energy by 2026.
Deputy Managing Director of MACL, Mohamed Lamaan, highlighted the ongoing eco-friendly and sustainable initiatives at VIA. He mentioned that a new power plant at the airport will soon become operational, which will enhance service delivery and support the transition to renewable energy. Lamaan also revealed that preparations are underway for launching new airport development projects in line with these sustainability goals.
The Maldives government has been making substantial efforts to develop VIA, including the launch of a 20-year master plan by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in January. This comprehensive plan aims to expand VIA to accommodate 25 million passengers annually, with the capacity to efficiently serve 4,000 individuals per hour.
These initiatives reflect the Maldives’ broader commitment to sustainable development and renewable energy, positioning VIA as a leading example in the region. The transition to renewable energy at VIA is expected to significantly reduce the airport’s carbon footprint, contributing to the Maldives’ efforts to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability.
The ambitious renewable energy plans for VIA demonstrate MACL’s proactive approach to supporting the nation’s green energy targets and enhancing the airport’s operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.
