In 2023, Maldives relied on fossil fuels for about 93% of its electricity consumption, while low-carbon electricity supplied just 7%. Solar accounted for the entire low-carbon share reported in the data. This leaves considerable scope to expand clean electricity and reduce the climate-changing emissions and air pollution associated with fossil fuels.

Is Electricity Growing in Maldives?

Electricity consumption per person remained below its historic peak rather than setting a new record. In 2023, it reached about 1,620 kWh per person, roughly 54 kWh, or 3%, below the 2018 record of 1,670 kWh. Low-carbon electricity generation stood at 114 kWh per person, unchanged from the record set in 2022. These figures indicate stalled progress against previous highs, although they do not establish whether total electricity consumption grew. Expanding clean generation would help meet future demand from electrification and digital services.

Suggestions

Maldives can accelerate low-carbon electricity generation by prioritizing solar on rooftops and suitable developed sites, supported by batteries and stronger island electricity networks. Relevant island examples include Cyprus, where solar supplies about 24% of electricity, and the US state of Hawaii, where it provides 23%. Cape Verde, with wind supplying 14%, also offers an island example worth studying where local wind conditions are suitable. Nuclear should be considered in long-term electricity planning: France generates about two-thirds of its electricity from nuclear, while the United Arab Emirates generates one-fifth. Maldives could assess whether emerging smaller nuclear technologies could eventually suit its electricity systems, alongside a major solar expansion.

History

From 2014 through 2023, the supplied historical series records no year-to-year change in solar electricity generation at the reported TWh precision. These repeated zero entries do not necessarily mean that no solar electricity was generated or that no smaller additions occurred; changes may be too small to appear at that precision. Together with solar’s 7% share in 2023, the record underscores the importance of tracking smaller gains accurately and accelerating clean electricity growth.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade