Electricity in Maldives in 2022

In 2022, the Maldives heavily relied on fossil fuels for electricity generation, with over 90% of its electricity coming from these sources. In contrast, clean, low-carbon sources like solar energy contributed slightly more than 7% to the nation's electricity production. This indicates a sizeable gap in the Maldives' transition to sustainable electricity, with a substantial dependence on fossil fuels making the country's energy system vulnerable to environmental concerns such as climate change and air pollution.

Suggestions

To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, the Maldives can learn from other countries' achievements, especially those that have successfully transitioned to green energy sources more suitable for island nations. For instance, Cape Verde uses wind energy for around 14% of its electricity, providing a model for how the Maldives could benefit from wind power given its geographical similarities and potential for coastal wind farms. Additionally, countries like Greece and Chile have adapted solar energy to contribute nearly a fifth of their electricity, showcasing the potential for the Maldives to expand its solar capacity further. Developing a balanced energy mix that includes solar and potentially wind energies can significantly lessen the dependency on fossil fuels while ensuring a more environmentally friendly and resilient power supply.

History

The journey toward low-carbon electricity in the Maldives has been largely dormant over recent years. From 2014 through to 2022, solar power contributed very little in terms of electricity growth, with no recorded increases in electricity generation from solar energy during this period. This shows a lack of progress in expanding solar energy, calling for strategic planning and investment to tap into the island's plentiful sunlight. Looking forward, it is crucial for the Maldives to explore and implement scalable low-carbon solutions such as solar photovoltaics or even offshore wind, capitalizing on technological advancements and supportive policies to embrace a sustainable energy future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources