Addu City, Maldives – The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology has announced plans to upgrade the electrical network of Addu City.
The Ministry detailed plans to reduce dependency on fuel for electricity in Addu under the ARISE project, which will see the upgrade of the electrical network in all connected districts as well as districts, Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo.
As such, an upgrade of the medium voltage networks as well as an upgrade and automation of five substations are tabled as part of the upgrade for the connected districts. Additionally, network establishment of electric wiring and fibre optic communication will also be carried out to set up a solar system grid, along with changing the panel boards of the central power house generators.
For Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo, the plans are to upgrade the medium voltage network, set up three new substations in the island, change of transformers in existing six substations, layout electrical network for the solar system grid as well as as the installation of a step up transformer in the power house.
Interestingly, while Fenaka currently provides electricity to Addu, the plans also include the installation of two megawatt peak solar PV battery storage system in Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo.
Fenaka stated that the plan is to provide renewable electricity to resorts nearby Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo as well.
Earlier this year, Fenaka and Clear Future Synergies Limited signed the largest power purchase agreement in the outer atolls which would transform Gan International Airport into Maldives’ first fully solar-powered green airport.
Solar PV panels installed at Gan International Airport will generate enough renewable energy to meet the airport’s consumption requirements.
This agreement signed virtually is the first without funding with a foreign independent power producer (IPP) for the installation of 4.5MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) in Addu City.
