The Maldives is preparing for a major expansion of renewable energy capacity as the government works towards increasing the share of renewable energy consumption to 33 percent by 2030.
The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy has announced that ongoing and planned projects are expected to add 330 megawatts of renewable energy capacity to the national grid. The additional capacity would build on the existing 110 megawatts already installed, supporting the government’s broader policy objective of reducing dependence on imported fuel and increasing clean energy use across the country.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has set the 33 percent renewable energy target as part of the government’s energy policy framework. Director General of the Ministry, Ahmed Ali, said the government is working to meet the target through a combination of public projects, special zone investments, and private sector partnerships.
According to the Ministry, the renewable energy programme includes projects across Male’ City and several inhabited islands. Solar photovoltaic hybrid systems with a combined capacity of 164 megawatts are being installed across 101 islands, with projects currently at different stages of development.
The government is also upgrading electricity distribution networks and installing battery energy storage systems to support the wider use of solar power. A total of 158 megawatts of battery storage capacity is being established across multiple islands to help manage the intermittent nature of renewable energy generation and maintain reliable electricity supply.
Ahmed Ali said major investments have also been made over the past two years to ensure round-the-clock electricity services across island communities. During this period, 157 generators with a combined capacity of 115 megawatts have been installed in different islands, while new power plants have been built in six islands to meet rising demand linked to population growth and development.
Among the larger projects planned is a 100 megawatt floating solar photovoltaic system within the Special Economic Zone. The power purchase agreement for the project is currently being finalised.
The Ministry said the renewable energy sector has attracted international interest, with 150 additional companies expressing interest in reaching agreements with the government. Feasibility studies are being carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance to assess the proposals and determine which projects could support the continued expansion of renewable energy capacity in the Maldives.
The planned expansion comes as energy imports remain one of the Maldives’ most significant economic pressures. For an island nation heavily reliant on diesel for electricity generation, the success of renewable energy projects will depend not only on installed capacity, but also on grid readiness, storage systems, financing arrangements, and the ability to deliver stable electricity across dispersed island communities.
