Maldives partners with Chinese firm to expand renewable energy capacity

Maldives has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chinese company Zhejiang Qingtian Solar Energy Technology to establish a 15-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) system and a 15-megawatt-hour (MWh) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).

The agreement was signed today by Deputy Minister Hussain Ageel Naseer, representing the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, and the company’s Acting Vice President, Dongting He.

The agreement marks a step towards expanding the Maldives’ renewable energy capacity while improving the stability and reliability of the country’s electricity grid.

The planned battery storage system is expected to support the integration of solar power into the energy network by storing electricity for use when solar generation is limited.

The initiative also aligns with the government’s target of generating 33 per cent of the country’s electricity from renewable energy sources by 2028.

Expanding solar power generation and energy storage capacity is an important part of reducing reliance on conventional energy sources and strengthening the country’s energy security.

The Maldives has been pursuing renewable energy projects to diversify its energy mix and reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels.

The agreement with Zhejiang Qingtian Solar Energy Technology adds to these efforts by combining solar power generation with battery storage technology.