Environment Minister Aminath Shauna has stated that the government is working to establish solar power systems in over 100 islands. She made the statement while speaking at a ceremony held to hand over the Huraa's water and sewerage system and powerhouse to Fenaka Corporation on Tuesday.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Shauna said the administration aims to ensure that 26 percent of the electricity provided is solar-powered before the end of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's five-year term.
The Minister said the positive results of the home solar power systems project initiated with Fenaka Corporation are already being witnessed. She said that the government's target is to install solar panels in at least 1,000 homes before the end of the year.
'The Maldives sees approximately 12 hours of daylight per day. The increase in energy production using the sun lowers the cost of producing energy day by day. Today, new and developing Technology has reached us,' the Minister said.
The Minister further noted that the increase in demand for power and energy increases the government's expenditure for fuel. While the State spends around USD 400 million per year on imported oil, it is important to be economical in using power and energy and redirect the expenditure to development projects, she said.
While the Maldives faces the brunt of environmental problems, the government is taking steps to minimize the impact on the archipelago. In this regard, efforts are ongoing to reduce plastic use and increase the use of renewable energy. The government targets to make the Maldives a net-zero country by 2030.
