MALE, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The Maldivian government inaugurated a 6.4-megawatt solar photovoltaic hybrid electricity system across 25 islands in Raa and Baa atolls, PSM News, the Maldives' state media, reported Monday.
The installations form part of the Preparing Outer Islands for Sustainable Energy Development project, which aims to strengthen energy security, reduce diesel imports and help the Maldives meet its climate targets, he said.
Minister of State for Climate Change, Environment and Energy Muaviyath Mohamed said the systems would generate an estimated 10.4 gigawatt-hours of clean electricity annually.
They are expected to save more than 3 million liters of diesel and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 8,400 metric tons each year, he said.
Mohamed said the shift to solar power would lower the country's fuel expenses, ease pressure on the national budget and strengthen the economy.
The newly inaugurated systems include 6.36 MW of peak solar photovoltaic capacity and a 10-MW battery energy storage system.
Under the broader project, the government plans to install solar hybrid systems on 160 islands, providing 19.8 MW of solar capacity and 20.6 MW of battery storage, he said.
Authorities have already converted 72 islands, installing 13.4 MW of solar capacity and 10.6 MW of battery storage.
Construction is underway on another 23 islands and is expected to be completed by 2027.
The project supports the Maldives' goal of generating 33 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2028. ■
