Gov’t Announces Wind Energy Pilot Project in Noonu Atoll

The government has unveiled plans to establish a wind energy pilot project in Noonu Atoll Manadhoo, aiming to expand the country’s renewable energy portfolio.

In a statement released on Monday, the Ministry of Finance invited bids for the installation of the wind renewable energy pilot system. The initiative is part of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded Assured Project. Interested parties are encouraged to submit proposals in accordance with the tender guidelines.

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The project will adhere to a public open tender process, employing ADB’s “single-stage, two-envelope” procurement method.

To participate, bidders must pay a non-refundable registration fee of MVR 1,500 or USD 100. Proposals will be officially opened on 10 February 2025 at 13:00 hrs at the National Tender Conference Hall in the Ministry of Finance.

This initiative marks a renewed effort to explore wind energy in the Maldives. In 2007, a Singapore-based company, DLRE, spearheaded a wind energy pilot project on three islands. This included the construction of a wind farm in Haa Alifu Atoll Uligan, inaugurated on 7 January 2008. However, the project, along with similar ventures in Meemu Atoll Raiymandhoo and Gaafu Alifu Atoll Kondey, was later discontinued.

The current government has set an ambitious target to generate 33 per cent of the nation’s energy from renewable sources by 2028, with wind energy forming a key component of this strategy.