Business

STELCO signs 15MW solar power deal with China's Sinosoar for 13 islands

The 20-year, privately financed deal is the largest solar PV agreement yet in the Maldives and is expected to save 15 million litres of diesel a year, the ministry said.

By Mohamed Hussain·Oct 27, 2026, 6:39 PM · Updated Oct 27, 2026, 6:39 PM

A group of officials in shirts and ties stand in a row under a metal canopy in front of a banner about launching solar PV hybrid power systems in Raa and Baa atolls — Officials at the launch of solar PV hybrid systems for 25 islands in Raa and Baa atolls, R. Kinolhas, 20 July 2026 (file photo) Photo: Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy · Photo: Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy

Text size

STELCO and the government signed agreements on 26 October with China's Sinosoar Hybrid Technology to build 15MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity on 13 islands, the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy said.

The ministry described it as the largest solar PV agreement signed in the Maldives to date.

Sinosoar Country Manager Cao Shomin and STELCO Managing Director Dr Ali Azwar signed the power purchase agreement (PPA). Cao and Climate Change, Environment and Energy Minister Ali Shareef signed a separate implementation agreement between the company and the ministry.

Two lots, 13 islands

The project is split into two lots. The first, about 2MW, covers six islands in Laamu Atoll, including Maamendhoo, Maavah, Hithadhoo, Kunahandhoo and Dhanbidhoo.

The second, about 13MW, covers L. Gan (4MW), L. Fonadhoo (3MW), Lh. Naifaru (2.3MW), Ga. Villingili, Sh. Funadhoo, L. Isdhoo and L. Kalaidhoo.

Private investment over 20 years

The ministry said the project was awarded through competitive tender and will run for 20 years under a design, build, finance, own, operate and transfer model funded by private investment. The tariff and the size of the investment were not disclosed.

It falls under the Accelerating Renewable Energy Integration and Sustainable Energy (ARISE) project, a USD 107.4 million programme in which private developers build the solar plants while battery storage and grid upgrades are paid for with public funds, according to the ministry. A risk-mitigation package backed by the World Bank's International Development Association, the Clean Technology Fund, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency supports investors.

The ministry said the deal raises solar capacity under the ARISE and earlier ASPIRE projects to 34MW, about 30 percent of the 110MW of renewable capacity installed in the Maldives by the end of last year.

It expects the project to cut diesel imports by 15 million litres and save the state MVR 180 million a year, and said it would help meet the government's target of drawing 33 percent of the country's energy from renewable sources.

#Energy#STELCO#Renewables#China#Laamu Atoll

A man in a green apron stands behind two large yellowfin tuna on a tiled counter at a fish market, with smaller reef fish laid out beside them.

Economy

Fish exports fall 59% in first eight months as tuna shipments slump

The Maldives exported 23,554 tonnes of fish from January to August, down 59% on a year earlier, with fresh and frozen tuna shipments falling by almost two-thirds.

Oct 27, 2026, 6:40 PM

A long concrete jetty leading into turquoise water, with a speedboat and a small green boat moored alongside and people walking towards the end

health

Air quality turns unhealthy in northern Maldives, Funadhoo reading near 160

Environment Ministry readings showed unhealthy air at Sh. Funadhoo and Villimalé on 27 October. Children, older people and those with breathing problems are most at risk.

Oct 27, 2026, 6:36 PM

A quiet sandy street between houses on a Maldivian island, with a parked motorcycle in the distance

Atolls

Motorcyclist jailed, ordered to pay MVR 1 million blood money over Kadhdhoo crash

A Laamu court has jailed a motorcyclist for three years and ordered MVR 1 million in blood money over an elderly woman's death on a zebra crossing near Kadhdhoo airport.

Oct 27, 2026, 8:40 AM