Maldives Seeks Investors for Solar Energy Project on Thirteen Islands

 The ministry plans to set up 15 megawatt solar panels and provide electricity services under a design, build, finance, own, operate, and transfer policy. Interested investors can now apply for bidding.

This initiative is part of the Accelerating Renewable Energy Integration and Sustainable Energy (ARISE) program. Specifically, 2 megawatt solar panels will be installed on Laamu Atoll's Hithadhoo, Kunahandhoo, Maibaadhoo, Maamendhoo, Maavah, and Dhan'bidhoo. Additionally, 13 megawatt solar panels will be set up on Shaviyani Atoll's Funadhoo, Lhaviyani Atoll's Naifaru, and Laamu Atoll's Isdhoo, Kalhaidhoo, Fonadhoo, Gan, and Gaafu Alif Atoll's Vilin'gili.

The ministry stated that the bidding process will adhere to international competitive procurement standards and will follow a single-stage, two-envelope process under World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers. Bidding will open on October 22.

The project aims to save 6 million liters of fuel and reduce government expenditure on fuel by MVR 48 million. The government has set a goal to increase renewable energy production to 33 percent of the total energy produced in the country within the next five years, with several other projects already announced under this policy.