Japan grants ‘Project for Clean Energy Promotion’ in Male’

Project for Clean Energy Promotion in Male’ is a project which promotes rooftop based grid connected solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Male’. This is project is a grant from Government of Japan.

Under the first phase of the project, 390kWp of solar PV systems will be installed at the roof tops of public buildings which have been identified as potential sites after proper surveying. These are STELCO building, Thaajudheen School, Hiriyaa School, President’s Office and Maldives Center for Social Education. Bid opening for the first phase of the project was held in Tokyo, Japan in December 2010 and the selected contactor for these tasks is Toyota. Installations under the first phase of the project will be completed and commissioned by the end of February 2012.

Consulting firm Yachio Engineering Co. Ltd and Yonden Engineering Co. Ltd. are now in Male’ to survey and identify potential sites to install PV panels under the second phase of the project.  Sites selected for surveying under the current phase include Velanaage Office Building, Kalaafaanu School, Giyaasudheen School, Main building of the University and Faculty of Health Sciences building.

By the end of the second phase of the project Male’ will have approximately 700kWp of grid connected PV systems installed in various public buildings, which is approximately 2.6% of the peak electricity demand in Male’. The project is expected to be completed in 2013.