Solar Panel Relocation Cost Prohibitive, Would Discourage Foreign Investment: Environment Ministry

The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Technology stated that relocating solar panels installed along the Sinamalé Highway would cost an estimated MVR 170 million and discourage foreign investments in renewable energy. The panels were installed under the ASPIRE project, a US$11 million collaboration with the World Bank, executed by Thailand's Ensys Co. President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had said on 28 October that the panels obscured the scenery and should be removed and relocated to other islands. The Ministry noted that the decision to install was made by Muizzu during his tenure as Housing Minister. The project is expected to generate 7.3 million kWh annually, saving MVR 15-20 million in fuel costs. The concept was prepared under the Yameen administration between 2017-2018.

The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Technology stated that relocating solar panels installed along the Sinamalé Highway would cost an estimated MVR 170 million and discourage foreign investments in renewable energy. The panels were installed under the ASPIRE project, a US$11 million collaboration with the World Bank, executed by Thailand's Ensys Co. President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had said on 28 October that the panels obscured the scenery and should be removed and relocated to other islands. The Ministry noted that the decision to install was made by Muizzu during his tenure as Housing Minister. The project is expected to generate 7.3 million kWh annually, saving MVR 15-20 million in fuel costs. The concept was prepared under the Yameen administration between 2017-2018.

The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Technology stated that relocating solar panels installed along the Sinamalé Highway would cost an estimated MVR 170 million and discourage foreign investments in renewable energy. The panels were installed under the ASPIRE project, a US$11 million collaboration with the World Bank, executed by Thailand's Ensys Co. President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had said on 28 October that the panels obscured the scenery and should be removed and relocated to other islands. The Ministry noted that the decision to install was made by Muizzu during his tenure as Housing Minister. The project is expected to generate 7.3 million kWh annually, saving MVR 15-20 million in fuel costs. The concept was prepared under the Yameen administration between 2017-2018.

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