The State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) announced on Saturday that it is working to transition Vaavu Atoll's Rakeedhoo island to 100% renewable energy within the next two weeks. Currently, the island relies on a hybrid system consisting of photovoltaic (PV) panels, a battery energy storage system (BESS), and a diesel generator (DG), with the diesel generator used for only two hours each day.

Ibrahim Nizam, General Manager of STELCO's Renewable Energy Department, explained that during the day, the island's electricity needs are met entirely by solar energy, while at night, power is supplied by a rechargeable battery, which can provide electricity to the entire island at a 95% charge. When the battery's charge falls to 25%, the system automatically switches to the diesel generator.

Nizam highlighted the importance of maintaining the batteries, ensuring their functionality for the next 20 years. He assured that the power transition to 100% renewable energy will soon be completed, eliminating the reliance on diesel entirely.

To supplement the island’s solar capacity, STELCO has implemented the ‘Avi Katha’ scheme, where solar panels were installed on the roofs of 12 private residences. Under the scheme, STELCO rents the rooftop space and compensates homeowners either through deductions on their electricity bills or direct payments. The rental rate is MVR 105 per kilowatt of solar power generated, and in some cases, homeowners can even receive a profit if their energy consumption is lower than the rent they earn from the solar panels.

In addition to private residences, STELCO has also installed four solar-powered street lights at Rakeedhoo's harbor, further enhancing the island’s renewable energy infrastructure.

This initiative aligns with the government's broader commitment to increasing renewable energy output to 33% nationwide, a key pledge of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's administration.