The Maldives has announced a tender for the development of 1.5 MW of rooftop solar projects across 11 islands. This initiative, part of the World Bank-funded Accelerating Renewable Energy Integration and Sustainable Energy (ARISE) program, underscores the nation’s commitment to renewable energy adoption. You can learn more about the Maldives’ solar market through resources like the PVKnowhow Maldives Solar Panel Manufacturing Report (https://www.pvknowhow.com/solar-report/maldives/).
Maldives Solar Tender: Details and Project Structure
Under the tender, selected developers will be awarded 20-year power purchase agreements (PPAs) with the Maldives’ State Electric Company Ltd (STELCO). The projects will be developed using a build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) model, a common framework for public-private partnerships in infrastructure development. This model allows for private investment and expertise while ensuring the eventual transfer of ownership to the government.
Targeted Islands for the Maldives Solar Tender
The 11 islands designated for these rooftop solar installations are Villingili, Maafushi, Thulusdhoo, Gulhi, Guraidhoo, Dhiffushi, Himmafushi, Kaashidhoo, Hinnavaru, Naifaru, and Madivaru. Distributing the projects across multiple islands aims to decentralize energy generation and enhance grid resilience.
Maldives’ Growing Solar Capacity After the Solar Tender
The Maldives has been actively pursuing solar energy development to reduce its reliance on diesel generators. While this 1.5 MW tender represents a significant step, the country’s largest solar project to date is a 5 MW installation on the island of Hulhumale. In 2022, the European Investment Bank (EIB) agreed to provide $45.8 million in financing to support the Maldives’ energy transition (https://www.eib.org/en/press/all/2022-206-eib-supports-energy-transition-in-the-maldives), further demonstrating the nation’s commitment to shifting from diesel to renewable energy sources. This commitment reflects a global trend, with countries like Somalia also launching solar power tenders (https://www.pvknowhow.com/news/somalia-solar-power-tender-launches-12mw-plant/).
