Electricity in Maldives in 2023
In 2023, the electricity consumption landscape in the Maldives is heavily dominated by fossil fuels, with more than 90% of the electricity being generated from non-renewable sources. Only a small fraction, approximately 7%, of the nation's electricity comes from low-carbon sources, specifically from solar energy. This reliance on fossil fuels raises significant environmental concerns, particularly related to climate change and air pollution, which could have adverse effects on the Maldives' vulnerable ecosystems and low-lying geography. The country's commitment to developing clean energy sources appears modest, as solar energy is the only low-carbon source contributing to its electricity supply.
Is Electricity Growing in Maldives?
Examining the trends in electricity consumption, it is clear that the Maldives is experiencing a stagnation rather than growth in its electricity use. The latest data for 2023 shows an average consumption of around 1616 kWh per person, a decrease from the previous peak of 1670 kWh per person in 2018. This reduction suggests that the Maldives might be facing challenges in scaling up energy consumption, possibly due to infrastructure or economic constraints. Meanwhile, the country’s low-carbon electricity generation has remained static, with no increase in solar energy production from 2022 to 2023, indicating a need for strategic investment in clean electricity sources to ensure future growth and sustainability.
Suggestions
To boost its low-carbon electricity generation, the Maldives can draw inspiration from various regions around the world. For solar energy, learning from Lebanon, where solar accounts for 31% of the electricity mix, or the achievements in California and Australia, can provide valuable insights. Additionally, given the geographic and climatic similarities, Cyprus, with a solar share of 22%, could serve as a relevant benchmark. While the Maldives may not have large swathes of land available for wind farms or nuclear installations, it can still explore off-grid and decentralized solar solutions. Embracing these strategies will help the Maldives increase its share of sustainable energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in the Maldives has largely been static, as evidenced by data from the past decade. From 2014 to 2023, there hasn’t been any notable increase in solar electricity generation, staying at a flat zero TWh change each year. This lack of development in clean energy is concerning, given the global push towards sustainable energy solutions to combat climate change and ensure energy security. It is crucial for the Maldivian government and energy policymakers to break this pattern of stagnation and actively invest in, and promote, the expansion of solar energy infrastructure, following the successful examples set by other solar-rich regions.