The Maldives has taken a significant step toward sustainable energy by awarding a contract to install Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on 24 islands. A signing ceremony brought together officials from the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology and the World Bank.
Thursday’s signing ceremony marked a formal agreement for a 40 MWh Battery Energy Storage System, a crucial part of the Accelerating Renewable Energy Integration and Sustainable Energy (ARISE) initiative. This project is jointly handled by the World Bank and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology. China National Technical Import and Export Corporation (CNTIC), Guadian Nanjing Automation Co., Ltd., and Sino Solar Hybrid (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd. collaborated as a joint venture to secure the contract through bidding.
The forthcoming installation of BESS systems marks a revolutionary shift in the Maldives’ energy landscape. This advanced energy storage technology will enable island grids to efficiently handle substantial renewable energy while optimizing the operation of essential diesel generators that complement the solar PV/Diesel hybrid energy generation system.
To fuel this project, the Maldives secured a concessional loan of US$ 23.9 million from the Clean Technology Fund.
Simultaneously, the Maldives is progressing toward its renewable energy goals by independently implementing Photovoltaic (PV) systems. These PV systems, developed through separate contracts based on independent power purchase (IPP) arrangements, are strategic components of the ARISE and ASPIRE projects initiated by the World Bank since 2014. These projects lay the groundwork for a comprehensive energy transformation in the Maldives.
The ASPIRE project, designed to boost PV generation through private sector investment, aligns with the Maldives’ overarching objective of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.
Under the ARISE project, the Maldives plans to install 36 MW of new solar PV systems, along with an estimated 40 MWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and extensive grid infrastructure improvements.
The financing for this substantial project will come from a mix of loans and grants, showcasing collective determination to drive the Maldives toward a sustainable, greener future.
The ARISE project will be installed on the following islands: Addu City – Hithadhoo, Addu City – Feydhoo, Addu City – Maradhoo Feydhoo, Addu City – Maradhoo, Addu City Hulhudhoo, Addu City – Meedhoo, Fuvahmulah City, G DH. Thinadhoo, Kulhudhuffushi City, B. Eydhafushi, Lh. Hinnavaru, Lh. Naifaru, GA. Villingili, Sh. Funadhoo, L. Fonadhoo, L. Gan, L. Isdhoo, Kalaidhoo, Dhanbidhoo, L. Maabaidhoo, L. Maamendhoo, L. Kunahandhoo, L. Hithadhoo, and L. Maavah.