In Maldives, the Soneva group has been working for over three years for th solar microgrid project to provide sustainable power for its Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani resorts. They have designed and built the solar microgrids with battery energy storage system (BESS) that currently provide approximately 40-45% of the power needs of the Fushi and Jani resorts.
Generating power on islands is never easy, it typically involves use of diesel gensets and the land space is always the problem. Due to land and roof space constraints, transitioning to and scaling up renewable power projects is difficult and can limit economic development for islands, that is how solar mini grid and floating PV system come in handy.
Sujay Malve, the solution provider, says that this is an great example for solar mini grid with floating pv system combination, it can be a lasting power solution for many islands customers, especially resorts and hotels, with Soneva Secret, the resort developer wanted to go beyond half power self-sufficient ratio, aiming to reach 75-80% of renewable energy penetration. "Remember, these places are on islands in Maldives. The only way they can generate electricity is from diesel gensets, which produce high emissions, and fuel is expensive and painful from a logistics point of view. Also, Soneva wanted as much independence as possible from the volatility of diesel prices."
"This solar microgrid solution is not only applicable for high-end resorts", "It is affordable energy compared to diesel, and it can electrify islands that currently lack industry or infrastructure. So, I see this as an enabler for economic growth, creating business opportunities due to stable and low-cost energy and improving the lives of island communities around the world."
