The Maldives has set an ambitious goal to source 33% of its total energy from renewable sources by 2028, and India is emerging as a key strategic partner in helping the island nation achieve this milestone. With limited landmass, high dependency on diesel imports, and rising climate vulnerability, the Maldives is turning to regional cooperation, especially with India, to accelerate its clean energy transition.
The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology of the Maldives confirmed that bilateral discussions with India have intensified over the past year, focusing on solar microgrids, hybrid energy systems, and capacity-building initiatives. India’s experience in scaling solar and wind energy, along with its concessional financing models, is being leveraged to support the Maldives’ decarbonization roadmap.
Maldives Renewable Energy Roadmap – 2025 to 2028
| Year | Target (%) | Key Focus Areas | Support Mechanism |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 18% | Solar rooftops, battery storage | Indian grants, UNDP support |
| 2026 | 24% | Hybrid diesel-solar systems | Line of credit from India |
| 2027 | 29% | Island-level microgrids | Technical aid, private investment |
| 2028 | 33% | Regional interconnectivity, offshore wind | SAARC energy cooperation |
India has already extended a $100 million line of credit to the Maldives for renewable energy infrastructure, including solar parks and grid modernization. The EXIM Bank of India is facilitating project financing, while Indian PSUs like NTPC and SECI are providing technical expertise and feasibility studies.
Speaking at the South Asia Energy Dialogue, Maldivian Minister Aminath Shauna said, “India’s support is not just financial—it’s strategic. We are learning from their solar success and adapting it to our island realities. Our partnership is rooted in climate resilience and regional solidarity.”
India-Maldives Energy Cooperation – Key Projects
| Project Name | Location | Capacity (MW) | Status | Indian Partner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Addu Solar Park | Addu City | 8 | Under construction | NTPC Ltd |
| Male Rooftop Solar Scheme | Male | 3 | Operational | SECI |
| Island Microgrid Pilot | Laamu Atoll | 1.5 | Feasibility stage | ReNew Power |
| Battery Storage Program | Nationwide | 10 MWh | Tendering phase | Tata Power Solar |
The Maldives’ energy mix is currently dominated by diesel-based generation, which accounts for over 85% of its electricity supply. This dependence not only strains the national budget but also exposes the country to fuel price volatility and carbon emissions. Transitioning to renewables is seen as both an economic and environmental imperative.
India’s role is also being shaped by its Neighbourhood First policy and its commitment to the International Solar Alliance (ISA). The Maldives is a founding member of ISA and has pledged to align its energy goals with the alliance’s vision of universal solar access.
Challenges in Maldives’ Renewable Push
| Challenge Area | Impact on Progress | Mitigation Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Land Scarcity | Limits utility-scale solar projects | Rooftop and floating solar |
| Grid Fragmentation | Inconsistent power distribution | Island-level microgrid design |
| Technical Capacity | Shortage of skilled manpower | Training programs via Indian institutes |
| Financing Gaps | Limited private sector interest | Blended finance, sovereign guarantees |
| Climate Vulnerability | Infrastructure risk from sea-level rise | Resilient design, elevated platforms |
Experts believe that the Maldives’ success in reaching its 33% target will depend on timely execution, policy stability, and continued regional collaboration. The country is also exploring green hydrogen pilots and offshore wind feasibility, though these are still in early stages.
India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has expressed its commitment to support the Maldives through joint R&D, technology transfer, and concessional financing. “We see the Maldives as a climate partner, not just a neighbour. Our cooperation is built on shared goals and mutual respect,” said an MNRE official.
Expert Reactions – India-Maldives Renewable Partnership
| Name | Role/Title | Reaction Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Ajay Mathur | ISA Director General | “Maldives is a model for small island energy transition.” |
| Dr. Arunabha Ghosh | Energy Policy Expert | “India’s support must go beyond hardware to capacity building.” |
| Aminath Shauna | Maldives Environment Minister | “Our partnership with India is climate-smart and future-ready.” |
| Rajeev Sharma | MNRE Advisor | “We’re committed to helping Maldives meet its green goals.” |
Public sentiment around the partnership has been largely positive, with environmental groups and regional think tanks praising the strategic alignment. Hashtags like #MaldivesGreenPush, #IndiaEnergyAid, and #IslandResilience have trended across social media platforms.
Public Sentiment – Maldives Renewable Energy Push
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.2M mentions | 88% positive | #MaldivesGreenPush #IndiaEnergyAid |
| 950K views | 85% supportive | #IslandResilience #SolarForAll | |
| YouTube | 720K views | 82% optimistic | #MaldivesRenewables #ClimateAction |
| 610K interactions | 84% positive | #IndiaMaldivesEnergy |
As the Maldives charts its path toward a greener future, India’s cooperation is proving to be a cornerstone of its energy transformation. With shared climate goals and regional solidarity at the heart of the partnership, the 33% renewables target by 2028 is not just achievable—it’s symbolic of a new era in South Asian energy diplomacy.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available government statements, energy reports, and expert commentary. It does not reflect any political endorsement or investment advice. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.
