Maldives Hosts Renewable Energy Side Event at COP29

News

On the sidelines of COP29 in Baku, the Maldives hosted a side event, ‘Paving the Way for a Just Energy Transition in the Maldives’, co-organized with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The event spotlighted the challenges, opportunities, and achievements in advancing renewable energy in the Maldives.

Minister of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy, His Excellency Thoriq Ibrahim, emphasized the need for transformative change to meet President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s ambitious target of generating 33% of electricity from renewables by 2028. To achieve this, the Maldives must add 330 MW of renewable energy capacity.

During the event, Minister Thoriq Ibrahim launched the ‘Roadmap for the Energy Sector 2024–2033’, a strategic document outlining priorities and pathways for the Maldives’ energy transition over the next decade.

A panel discussion featuring six distinguished speakers delved into actionable insights for achieving a just energy transition:

• H.E. Thoriq Ibrahim – Minister of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy, Maldives.
• Mr. Yutaka Matsuzawa – Vice Minister for Global Affairs, Ministry of Environment, Japan.
• Mr. Ramesh Subramaniam – Director General and Group Chief, Sectors Group, ADB.
• Mr. Andrew McDowell – Director General, EIB Global.
• Mr. Michael Robert Ward – Senior Evaluation Specialist, Climate Investment Fund (CIF).
• Mr. Ramesh Kumar Kuruppath – Chief of Unit, Program & Projects Implementation Cluster, International Solar Alliance.

Special Envoy for Climate Change, H.E. Ali Shareef, delivered the concluding remarks, highlighting innovative projects like Rasmale', which focus on reducing energy burdens for future generations.

The event reflected Maldives’ strong commitment to a sustainable, equitable energy future, aligning with global climate goals.