STELCO’s Managing Director Hussein Fahmy has stated that with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s announced 150-megawatt solar project, Male’ area can be powered even with generators turned off for 8 hours, significantly reducing fuel costs. Converting 33% of the Maldives’ power supply to renewable energy is one of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s pledges. In line with this pledge, the government has decided to establish a 150-megawatt solar power system in the Special Economic Zone.
Speaking on PSM News’ “Raajje Miadu” program, STELCO’s Managing Director Hussein Fahmy said that with the establishment of 150 megawatts of solar power, the Male’ area can be powered during daytime hours with generators turned off. He stated that power can be supplied for 8 or 7 hours without burning fuel and running generators, which will significantly reduce fuel expenses. Fahmy said that before the completion of the solar project, they are working on installing smart meters in households across the Male’ area to facilitate power distribution with generators turned off.
“Smart meter installation work will begin after Ramadan. It will be completed within about a year. Once smart meters are installed, it will enable power distribution from both fuel and solar energy at different times. Smart meters will also show real-time power consumption,” said Fahmy. Fahmy has assured that despite increased power consumption during this Ramadan month, power will be supplied sustainably.
Under the SEZ solar project, the “Magey Solar” program is also installing solar PV systems in households to increase renewable energy power generation in the Maldives. These initiatives are government projects aimed at reducing the country’s substantial annual fuel expenses. The Maldives currently spends about 5 billion rufiyaa monthly on importing various types of fuel.
