The beautiful Maldives – a nation consisting of 26 major coral atolls spread over 90,000 square kilometres – has been a favourite destination for Australian tourists for many years.
Image credit: Maldives Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB)
But there is trouble in paradise – global warming-related sea level rise threatens to swamp the Maldives, possibly within our lifetime. The Maldives’ highest point is only 2.3 metres above sea level, with the average height being only 1.5 metres – far less than the height of most adults.
The people and government of the Maldives are upset – and with good reason. The excesses of other nations, including Australia, and the rampant global burning of coal to generate electricity has caused atmospheric carbon dioxide levels to soar, temperatures to rise and the effects of climate change are already evident.
In October 2009, Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed, Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed and 11 cabinet ministers donned scuba gear in order to hold the world’s first underwater cabinet meeting, in a bid to push for a stronger climate change agreement in the upcoming climate summit in Copenhagen.
Solar power in the Maldives
The people of the Maldives are by no means just sitting back waiting to be rescued from the ocean that may soon be lapping at their doorsteps – they are leading the battle against climate change by example.
President Mohamed Nasheed unveiled a plan in March 2009 to make his country carbon-neutral within a decade. The nation has its sights set on 100 per cent renewable energy by 2020.
Part of this initiative is to make the Maldives a solar power stronghold and hundreds of thousands of square meters of rooftop solar panels will help provide clean energy to the Maldives 370,000 inhabitants.
Energy Matters recognises the challenges facing the Maldives and is currently negotiating with several major organisations in the country to boost the presence of solar power in the Maldives’ energy mix.
Energy Matters has performed thousands of solar power installations in Australia, including at large holiday resorts, and looks forward to bringing its solar power expertise to the people of the Maldives.
We invite other businesses and organisations in the Maldives to contact us regarding grid connect and off grid solar power solutions. Please complete the form below to register your interest.
