MALE, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Maldivian government has begun a nationwide survey to identify suitable locations for solar photovoltaic systems as part of efforts to generate 33 percent of the country's electricity from renewable energy by the end of 2028, state media PSM News reported on Sunday.
Survey teams are visiting islands across the country to identify suitable land and building rooftops for solar installations and collect the technical information needed for future projects.
The government said the program is intended to accelerate the expansion of renewable energy generation and reduce the Maldives' dependence on imported fuel.
In August, the government launched a project to establish solar hybrid systems on 25 islands. Once completed, the project is expected to save more than 3 million liters of diesel annually and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 8,400 metric tonnes.
Work also began in December on a 100-megawatt floating solar project being carried out by an external company. The Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade said the project is expected to be completed in 2027.
The government estimates that reaching its 33-percent renewable energy target by the end of 2028 could save about 42 million U.S. dollars annually in fuel expenditure. ■
