STELCO has announced plans to ensure that 33 percent of the electricity provided in islands under its service becomes carbon neutral. Speaking in an interview marking the current administration’s 104 weeks in office, Managing Director Ahmed Shamah Rasheed said the most effective pathway to this goal is the introduction of hybrid energy systems.
Carbon neutrality refers to maintaining a balance between carbon emissions released and those removed from the atmosphere. This is achieved through reducing emissions and supporting initiatives that offset or eliminate carbon dioxide.
The Maldives continues to make significant strides in renewable energy, especially solar power. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has pledged that before the end of his five-year term, 33 percent of the nation’s electricity generation will come from renewable sources.
MD Shamah highlighted the success of the hybrid system installed in Vaavu Atoll Rakeedhoo, where reliance on diesel generators has dramatically decreased. He said ongoing work aims to make the island fully battery-powered under the pilot initiative.
While Rakeedhoo is being developed to run completely on solar and battery power, Shamah clarified that a 100 percent transition is not planned for other islands. He stressed that maintaining backup generators is essential, especially during periods of prolonged rainfall when solar production drops, and noted that hybrid systems are a more reliable nationwide solution.
The government is also strengthening the energy sector through updated laws and regulations to ensure safe, accessible, and affordable power for all communities. Alongside solar initiatives, studies are underway to explore wind energy and ocean-current power as future alternatives.
As part of these efforts, authorities revealed on Saturday that up to 783 kilowatts of solar PV capacity has already been installed in households under the “My Solar Program”, which enables residents to generate their own clean energy. The program was first launched by President Muizzu in January this year, with the inaugural system installed in Filladhoo, Haa Alif Atoll.
