The motion to take effective measures against challenges to the government's ability to provide inexpensive electricity such as fluctuating global gas and oil prices is being debated on the parliament floor.
The motion was presented by Hoarafushi constituency MP and member of the parliament's committee on environment and climate change, Ahmed Saleem.
While introducing the motion, Saleem noted that the current government has pledged to take sustainable measures to lower the cost of electricity, provide subsidies to ensure affordable electricity, as well as to reduce dependency on oil by developing the renewable energy sector.
Saleem attributed the increasing cost of electricity mainly to the country's dependence on imported diesel. Likewise, he noted that the government spent MVR 5.4 billion on diesel in 2018. Furthermore, he added that the country has no influence over the fluctuations in the prices of diesel and that diesel-generated electricity isn't worth its cost.
Saleem highlighted that the government has spent nearly MVR one billion in subsidies which is not a sustainable expense to reduce the cost of electricity.
According to estimates made in 2015, Maldives released an equivalent of 1.5 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere of which 67% is attributed to the generation of electricity. The Maldives can only participate in global efforts to combat climate change by investing in renewable energy. Minimizing the country's dependence on diesel can reduce greenhouse gases to an equivalent of 1 million tons of carbon dioxide and put the Maldives on track to achieve the "nationally determined contribution" target of an equivalent of 3.3 million tons of carbon dioxide by 2030Hoarafushi constituency MP Ahmed Saleem
Saleem further highlighted that solar power, wind energy, and ocean technology are all possible avenues for renewable energy in the Maldives.
Furthermore, he noted that solar power can generate one unit of electricity for three Rufiyaa, whereas diesel generates a unit of electricity for four Rufiyaa.
We estimate that 91 megawatts of electricity can be produced if 160 households of 189 islands are fitted with a solar PV system of three megawatts. Additionally, it saves MVR 607 million in state expenditure by reducing the amount of diesel bought by 55 million litres.Hoarafushi constituency MP Ahmed Saleem
Additionally, Saleem emphasized the importance of regulations to adequately monitor power generation institutions such as the State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) and Fenaka Corporation Limited.
These regulations are specified in the motion introduced by Saleem and were supported by members of parliament.
