ENG - UN CC:Learn

ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
MALDIVES
SPOTLIGHT
Alternative energy and GHG reduction in the Maldives
Arabian
Sea
Male
MALDIVES
Laccadive
Sea
An estimated 80% of the land area of the Maldives archipelago
is less than a metre above sea level. Global warming
and its harmful effects are of particular concern to the
country, as its economic and human survival depends
entirely on its environmental assets and tourism; sea level
rise has the potential for eliminating both of these sources of livelihoods. The Maldives is therefore seeking
new ways to reduce its near total dependence on imported diesel fuel oil and introducing greater use of renewable
energy (RE) sources.
A GEF-supported project of US$ 764,000 and additional co-financing of US$ 2 million assisted the Government to develop a comprehensive
programme of RE technologies in the Maldives.The ultimate goal of the project is to reduce global GHG emissions from
energy production activities by increasing the use of RE, and was designed to support the strategies of the Maldives’ 6th National
Development Plan. The project will assess, develop and implement potential RE technologies for both electricity and non-electricity
applications in the Maldives, with a draft energy policy emerging as a result. Specific applications include: solar photovoltaic
and wind power systems used in hybrid systems with diesel generators; landfill gas recovery and utilization; passive solar technology
in water heating, fish and crop drying, seawater desalination; and the possible introduction of technology that can use biogas
from food waste for cooking or electricity production. Advocacy and awareness-raising programmes will also be introduced to
illustrate the potential of RE resources and its advantages.
The social rewards of RE can be far-reaching, both globally and locally in the Maldives. Electricity can be provided to outlying islands
for more hours a day than is currently available, thereby improving living standards and simultaneously reducing CO2 emissions.
CLIMATE CHANGE
QUICK FACTS
CURRENT PORTFOLIO BUDGET
Total UNDP-GEF and Co-Finance: $10,370,210
Total UNDP and Co-Finance: $999,654
Total MPU and Bilateral: $115,000
Total: $11,484,864
Cumulative Total ODS Phased-Out:
3.5 ODP tonnes
186