The Republic of Maldives is a chain of 26 atolls, or around 1190 islands within the Indian Ocean. There are 194 inhabited islands in Maldives and a further 105 resort islands. The Maldives proudly enjoys universal access to electricity. However, demand is currently met almost entirely by imported fossil fuels. Diesel generators operate on each of the inhabited islands supplying electricity to it residents, but also polluting the local water table, and generating significant greenhouse gas emissions.
The Maldives has significant renewable energy resources, in particular solar. Increasing the share of renewable energy could greatly reduce the countries dependence on imported fossil fuels, lower the high electricity costs, and provide many other health, environmental and economic benefits – by reducing indoor air pollution, reducing soil and water pollution, and creating new jobs in the renewable energy industry.
To achieve full transition away from diesel based power generation, both utility scale renewable energy systems and storage are needed, as well as household and small business self-consumption systems in order to help offset growth in demand from the grid.
The programme design includes three main components which together aim to deliver long-term transition to renewable energy systems: 1. Innovative financing mechanisms including an on-utility bill repayment model; 2. Technical assistance; 3. Awareness raising.
The Maldives is seen as a leader and a roll model for small island developing states. If implemented, the programme is expected to have a roll on effect for other small island states.
