Tenders issued for solar power storage systems across 10 atolls of Maldives

9 August

Background:

The World Bank’s Accelerating Renewable-Energy Integration and Sustainable Energy (ARISE) project began in 2021 in the Maldives, with a 5 year plan. Under this project, 36 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are to be established in various regions across the Maldives.

Reliance on imported diesel for power generation, the lack of economies of scale, and poor quality of infrastructure have resulted in a high cost of electricity in the Maldives. Maldives has a target to reach net-zero emissions by the year 2030.

The Ministry of Finance issued tenders to apply for the supply, installation, commissioning, operation and transfer of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) on selected islands in June with prequalifications. The tenders were reissued again in August without prequalifications on the basis that enough support had not been garnered for the previous tenders.

Applications for these tenders must be submitted to the Ministry of Finance before 1300 hours on the 27th of October, 2022.

These battery energy storage systems will be established in 19 islands across 10 atolls of Maldives:

-  South Haa atoll, Kulhudhuffushi

- Shaviyani atoll, Funadhoo

- Baa atoll, Eydhafushi

- Lhaviyani atoll, Hinnavaru and Naifaru

- Dhaalu atoll, 

- Laamu atoll; Fonadhoo, Gan, Hithadhoo, Maamendhoo, Kunahanndhoo, Maabaidhoo, Dhanbidhoo, Maavah, Isdhoo, Kalaidhoo

- Gaafu North atoll, Villingili

- Gaafu South atoll, Thinadhoo

- Fuvahmulah

- Addu atoll, interconnected islands included, Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo

The environment ministry stated the BESS project will enable excess power generated through solar energy to be stored and utilised later. The ministry said BESS will also resolve the stability issues faced by the power grid when the sustainable energy supplied to the grid exceeds 30%.