Reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels is a top national priority for the Maldives, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated. The President made these remarks while addressing the High-Level Dialogue on Clean Energy Transition and Electrification: "35 by 35: Powering the Future," held on the sidelines of the COP31 Leaders' Summit underway in Antalya, Türkiye.
Speaking at the dialogue, President Muizzu stressed that transitioning to clean energy is not only critical for combating climate change, but also vital for safeguarding national energy security, protecting the economy, and ensuring a dependable supply of power across the island nation. He pointed out that heavy reliance on imported fuels poses significant financial and supply challenges that demand urgent intervention.
Highlighting the Maldives' national target set in 2023 to generate 33 percent of electricity from renewable sources, the President underscored the need for substantial capital investments, particularly in advanced energy storage systems. He noted that the geographical dispersion of the Maldivian islands presents unique logistics hurdles, driving up the costs of installing and maintaining resilient infrastructure.
To steer this transformation, President Muizzu highlighted the launch of the "Maldives Energy Roadmap 2024–2033." This strategic roadmap outlines a clear pathway to shift the nation away from fuel-reliant energy architectures toward a sustainable, cost-effective, and resilient green energy grid.
Concluding his address, President Muizzu stressed that the ultimate success of the global energy transition hinges on turning international pledges into concrete action. Reaffirming the Maldives’ determination to build a clean and climate-resilient future, he stated that the country remains fully committed to collaborating with international partners to turn these ambitions into reality.