The government has announced plans to transition Raa Atoll Vaadhoo to 100 percent renewable energy by the end of 2025, positioning the island as a model for sustainable development within the country’s broader energy transition strategy.
The decision was revealed during a press conference held yesterday, where President Dr Mohamed Muizzu highlighted ongoing efforts to scale up investment in renewable energy across the Maldives. The Vaadhoo project, which was initially introduced during a presidential visit in January, is now ready to be awarded to a contractor.
According to the government, the aim is to fully power the island through solar energy and use the experience as a pilot project to replicate similar transitions in other inhabited islands. Vaadhoo has already begun initial steps towards this goal, with local engagement reportedly playing a role in its selection as a demonstration site.
This initiative aligns with the administration’s pledge to generate 33 percent of national energy needs from renewable sources by the end of 2028. In pursuit of this goal, several large-scale projects have also been proposed, including a floating solar project in a lagoon near Malé. Expected to produce between 100 and 150 megawatts of energy, the project entered the procurement stage in March.
If successful, the Vaadhoo solar transition could mark a significant step forward for the Maldives in reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and moving closer to long-term targets for carbon neutrality. As a small island developing state highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, the Maldives has consistently positioned itself as a vocal advocate for sustainability in international forums. Delivering on these energy goals domestically will be an important measure of credibility and resilience.
