Project

South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP) Maldives

22 Aug 2024

Introduction:

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy, has launched the South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP) Maldives. This partnership aims to enhance energy security, expand energy access, and promote regional cooperation across South Asia. In the Maldives, SAREP focuses on advancing sustainable energy solutions and improving energy efficiency, aligning with the nation’s commitment to achieving affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for all.

Planned activities under the SAREP Maldives:

  • Strengthening and expanding the Maldives Standards and Labelling Program.
  • Supporting the development of regulations to improve the existing regulatory environment.
  • Developing demand forecasting tools.
  • Developing a roadmap for smart meter roll-out.
  • Developing a guidebook for energy management in schools.
  • Implementing capacity-building initiatives for stakeholders.

 Partners involved:

  • Energy Department of the Ministry
  • Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation
  • Utility Regulatory Authority (URA)
  • STELCO
  • FENAKA
  • Maldives Customs Service
  • Private sector

Project Timeline

05 Aug 2024

Technical Sessions on SAREP Maldives Planned Activities Conducted

Following the launch of USAID SAREP Maldives, a technical session was conducted on 6th August 2024, led by Ms. Apurva Chaturvedi, Senior Clean Energy Specialist at USAID/India. The Minister of State for Climate Change, Environment and Energy, Dr. Muaviyath Mohamed, and Permanent Secretary Mr. Ajwad Mustafa participated in the technical session.

During the session, experts from SAREP gave presentations on the planned activities, which include support for developing regulations to enhance the existing regulatory environment, demand forecasting, and the smart meter roll-out roadmap. Additionally, the session focused on strengthening and expanding the Maldives Standards and Labelling Program, with new appliances such as water pumps, water heaters, and fans to be included. Plans to develop a guidebook for energy management in schools and to implement capacity-building initiatives to equip stakeholders with the necessary skills and knowledge were also discussed.

Representatives from various ministries and organizations, including the Utility Regulatory Authority, STELCO, FENAKA, Maldives Customs Service, HDC, and the Maldives National Association of Construction Industry (MNACI), participated in the technical session.

05 Aug 2024

South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP) Maldives Launched

The South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP) Maldives was officially launched on 6th August 2024.

A significant highlight of the launch event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between USAID and the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy. The MOU was signed by Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, H.E. Thoriq Ibrahim, representing the Ministry. Dr. Alexandria Huerta, Acting Mission Director of USAID/India & Bhutan, and Mr. Gabriel Grau, Mission Director for USAID/Sri Lanka & Maldives, signed on behalf of USAID in the presence of Mr. Michael Schiffer, Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Asia at USAID.