Maldives downgrades PV module exports

Will a 5 MW solar installation make Maldives a popular destination?

Now, one of the first sights for any of the 1.7 million tourists visiting the Maldives will be that of the 5 MW solar installation on the highway linking the airport island to Male and its satellite town of Hulhumale.

Why is electricity so expensive in the Maldives?

Reliance on imported diesel for power generation, the lack of economies of scale, and poor quality of infrastructure have resulted in a high cost of electricity in the Maldives. Maldives has a target to reach net-zero emissions by the year 2030 with international support.

Why are fuel imports a problem in the Maldives?

The high level of fuel imports further exacerbates the fiscal challenges in the Maldives. In 2019, the country imported more than 700,000 metric tons of fuel, 80 percent of which consisted of diesel. A significant amount of this imported diesel is used for power generation by the utilities.

How much does a solar project cost in Maldives?

In 2022, 63 investor expressed interest in the third 11 MW solar project in the remote islands of Maldives, and a record low price of 9.8 US cents was received. This is one of the lowest tariffs for any small island developing state (SIDS).

Should investors invest in sustainable solar projects in the Maldives?

In 2014, the first 1.5 MW solar project under ASPIRE only had four investors bids, and resulted in a high power purchase price (PPA) of 21 US cents per unit of electricity, indicating a lack of interest from investors in investing in sustainable projects in the Maldives.

How will the Maldives' fuel subsidy project impact the economy?

This will reduce the Maldives’ import bill by approximately US$ 30 million annually, with a total project lifetime saving of US$ 750 million over 25 years. These projects are expected to significantly reduce the government’s fuel subsidy expenditure, thereby decreasing the nation's reliance on fossil fuels and the fiscal burden this creates.