Maldives Launches Hybrid Solar PV Tender

• Maldives has launched a tender for solar PV-diesel hybrid projects on 9 islands  
• These grid-tied projects will be installed for inhabited islands to reduce diesel consumption 
• The ADB-backed POISED project, through which this tender will be financed, is supported by the EU 

The Ministry of Finance in Maldives has launched a competitive procurement drive for grid-tied solar PV-diesel hybrid power generation plants in 7 inhabited islands of Gaafu Aifu Atoll and 2 inhabited islands of Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.  

Launched on behalf of the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, this procurement call will be funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) administered Preparing Outer Islands for Sustainable Energy Development (POISED) Project.  

According to the ADB, the idea behind this project is to reduce the use of diesel for electricity generation in these islands which total about 160 in number. The use of solar PV-diesel hybrids will reduce the cost of electricity as well as emissions, and lower the subsidy burden on the government.  

Maldives has received financing from the European Union (EU) towards the cost of the POISED project.   

The broad scope of work includes design, supply and installation of these hybrid power plants. A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for July 18, 2024.  

Launched on July 2, 2024, the tender specifies August 28, 2024 as the last date of bid submission.   

Earlier in March 2024, bids were invited for the largest private sector led energy project in Maldives under the ASSURE project, also backed by the ADB (see Maldives Launches Tender For 12.5 MW Solar Power Project).