The government of Maldives today signed agreements with three Chinese companies to develop battery energy storage systems in 18 islands of the country.
The agreement was signed at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Environment on Monday morning.
The Environment Ministry said in a statement that the Chinese companies are contracted to install energy management systems (EMS) in 18 residential islands of Maldives along with a 38 MW solar battery energy storage system (BESS) under the Accelerating Sustainable System Development Using Renewable Energy (ASSURE) project of the ministry.
The work was awarded to China's JV of Shijiazhuang Kelin Electric Co. Ltd., Gordian Nanjing Automation Co. Ltd. and Sino Soar Hybrid (Beijing) Technology Co. Ltd.
Under the project:
- Hdh. Hanimaadhoo: 2,000 Kwh
- Sh. Milandhoo: 2,500 Kwh
- N. Holhudhoo: 1,500 Kwh
- N. Manadhoo: 3,000 Kwh
- N. Velidhoo: 3,000 Kwh
- R. Alifushi: 2,000 Kwh
- R. Hulhudhuffaaru: 1,500 Kwh
- B. Dharavandhoo: 2,500 Kwh
- B. Thulhaadhoo: 3,000 Kwh
- M. Mulah: 2,000 Kwh
- M. Muli: 2,000 Kwh
- M. Veyvah: 500 Kwh
- M. Raiymandhoo: 500 Kwh
- Th. Guraidhoo: 2,500 Kwh
- Th. Thimarafushi: 3,000 Kwh
- GA. Maamendhoo: 1,000 Kwh
- Gdh. Faresmaathoda: 3,000 Kwh
- Gdh. Gadhhoo: 2,500 Kwh
The ministry said that the main objective of the project is to increase the use of renewable electricity and working towards President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's goal of converting 33 percent of the country’s energy consumption to renewable energy by 2028.
The installation of the 38 MW battery energy storage system and the installation of additional solar PV systems in the islands will facilitate grid stabilisation and the facilitate the connection of additional solar PV capacity to the network, the ministry said.
The ministry said the "Magey Soloar" program would also facilitate the installation of solar PV on the roofs of residential houses and buildings.
“The installation of this 38 megawatt-hour battery energy storage system would save about 8.4 million liters of diesel per year and fuel costs of about MVR 125 million annually,” the ministry said.