Maldives partners with Chinese firms to expand battery storage

Agreements with Chinese companies aim to install battery energy systems across 18 islands, saving millions in fuel costs and supporting Maldives’ renewable energy goals

MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — Maldives has signed agreements with three Chinese firms to install battery energy storage systems across 18 inhabited islands, in a bid to reduce its reliance on diesel and enhance solar power integration.

The deal was finalized Monday at a ceremony hosted by the Environment Ministry in the capital, Male.

According to an official statement, the project forms part of the Accelerating Sustainable System Development Using Renewable Energy (ASSURE) initiative, supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The contract was awarded to a joint venture of three Chinese companies: Shijiazhuang Kelin Electric Co. Ltd., Gordian Nanjing Automation Co. Ltd., and Sino Soar Hybrid (Beijing) Technology Co. Ltd.

The consortium will be responsible for installing energy management systems and a total of 38 megawatts of battery energy storage (BESS) across the islands.

The new battery systems will range from 500 to 3,000 kilowatt-hours per island, aimed at stabilizing local grids and allowing for greater use of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy.

According to the Environment Ministry, the initiative could save an estimated 8.4 million litres of diesel per year, potentially cutting fuel costs by more than 125 million Maldivian rufiyaa ($8 million).

Officials say this is a step toward achieving President Mohamed Muizzu’s national goal of sourcing 33 percent of the country’s energy from renewables by 2028.

In parallel, the government is also promoting its “Magey Solar” program, which involves the deployment of rooftop solar PV systems on homes and public buildings throughout the country.

The combined efforts are expected to increase energy resilience in the island nation, where small populations and isolated grids make energy transition particularly challenging.