Minister of Environment, Climate Change, and Technology Aminath Shauna has stated the government aims to install solar systems in 1,000 households. She made the statement in her speech at the ceremony to hand over the electricity, water, and sewerage services in Huraa, Kaafu Atoll, to Fenaka Corporation Limited.
At the ceremony, Minister Shauna said 10% of the yearly state revenue, or USD400 million, goes to importing fuel, and that the newly introduced home solar programme by Fenaka is expected to lower the country's heavy reliance on imported fuel. The minister said the government aims to increase renewable electricity generation to 26% by 2023 and utility companies will play an important role in achieving the goal, as Fenaka alone provides electricity to 150 islands. She said the home solar programme allows individuals to invest in renewable energy and help reduce the country's reliance on imported fuel.
Furthermore, Minister Shauna highlighted the advantages of the home solar programme, including allowing customers to reduce their monthly electricity bill by 90%. She also called on individuals to reduce electricity consumption by investing in particular electronics and appliances.
Fenaka has stated the home solar programme is a small cost-investment and is a permanent solution to electricity bills, which have been continuously increasing.
The purpose of the programme is to significantly lower the electricity costs for the general public while also contributing to the government's goal of reducing the country's heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels and helping achieve the target of net zero emissions by 2030.