State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) has revealed development of the electricity network connecting the Greater Male’ Region will be concluded early next year.
Speaking about the project, Managing Director of STELCO Hassan Mughnee said the project is currently in progress, although some delays were caused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He added the delays were caused as the technical team from China had difficulties coming to Maldives due to travel restrictions. However, he said the team has now arrived and commenced works to connect the network via powerhouses and installation of transformers. He added the project will be completed in the first quarter of next year.
The government of Maldives contracted the project to China-based Dongfang Electric International Cooperation on 2018. The power grid established under the project would connect Male', Hulhule' and Hulhumale' via an interconnection cable through the Sinamale’ Bridge and the highway.
STELCO revealed the network cable can carry 100 MW of electricity. STELCO expects the project to sustainably provide electricity service without interruptions.
The project is funded by a loan arranged from the Exim Bank of China.