Energy in the Maldives
Wave Energy
Primary energy usage
Based on a study conducted for the year 2002, the primary energy usage in the country in different sectors is shown below. Nearly 50 percent of the country’s primary energy is used for electricity generation and 43 percent is used for Transport and Fishing.
Primary energy usage for different sectors in the Maldives (2002)
Renewable energy status draft
The Government of Maldives (GoM) is very much aware and concerned about environmental degradation and global warming and their detrimental effects particularly on the small island nations like the Maldives. Sea level rise, which is among the real threats of climate change, is among the country’s immediate concerns. The very existence of the country is threatened, as over 80% of the land area of its islands is less than a meter above mean sea level. Fossil fuels used as source of energy is major contributor to global warming.
Use of renewable energy in the country
RE technology applications in the Maldives are limited to mainly solar photovoltaic systems in navigation lights and telecommunication systems, as well as modest use of water heating in Male’ and in resort islands. Although the country is expected to continue to rely on imported fuels to meet its energy needs, some RE resources are recognized as potential alternatives, being indigenously available, having minimal environmental impacts and contributing to the balanced provision of services to dispersed island communities.
The GoM is committed to promoting sustainable energy in the country and has mandated its Ministry of Environment, Energy and Water (MEEW) to formulate policies, plans and activities on energy for the benefit of its citizens. MEEW has also been designated as focal point for RE applications and development in the country and is now actively pursuing several inter-related initiatives to overcome the existing barriers to the widespread development and application of RETs. Until recently, activities toward RE development and applications in the country were limited. Follwing give an overview of major RE related activities conducted and ongoing.
