The South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP) Maldives was inaugurated yesterday in Malé, marking a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions in the region. Led by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the initiative aims to enhance clean energy practices throughout South Asia.
The launch event featured a welcome address by Mr. Gabriel Grau, Mission Director for USAID/Sri Lanka & Maldives, followed by an overview of USAID SAREP presented through a short video. A key moment 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 H.E. Thoriq Ibrahim, Dr. Alexandria Huerta, Acting Mission Director of USAID/India & Bhutan, and Mr. Gabriel Grau for USAID.
In his inaugural address, Minister Thoriq Ibrahim reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to enhancing energy efficiency and integrating advanced energy solutions, expressing gratitude for USAID’s support. He emphasized the importance of such partnerships in addressing the unique energy challenges faced by small island nations.
Mr. Michael Schiffer, Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Asia at USAID, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the critical role of regional collaboration in achieving energy sustainability.
Dr. Alexandria Huerta, in her closing remarks, outlined the planned activities under SAREP Maldives, which include developing regulations to improve the regulatory environment, demand forecasting, a smart meter roll-out roadmap, and expanding the Maldives standards and labelling programme to include additional appliances such as water pumps, water heaters, and fans. Additionally, a guidebook for energy management in schools will be developed, and capacity-building initiatives will be implemented to equip stakeholders effectively.
The event saw participation from representatives of various ministries and organizations, including the Utility Regulatory Authority, STELCO, FENAKA, Maldives Customs Service, Housing Development Corporation (HDC), and the Maldives National Association of Construction Industry (MNACI).
SAREP aims to support regional priorities in improving access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy, sharing best practices, and lessons learned among South Asian countries. The partnership focuses on regional energy market integration, advanced energy solutions and systems, utility modernization, investment mobilization, and best value procurement.
Key Highlights:
- Inauguration: SAREP Maldives launched in Malé.
- Led by: USAID.
- MOU Signed: Between USAID and the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy.
- Key Addresses: By Minister Thoriq Ibrahim, Mr. Michael Schiffer, and Dr. Alexandria Huerta.
- Planned Activities: Regulatory improvements, demand forecasting, smart meter roadmap, expanded standards and labeling program, guidebook for energy management in schools, and capacity-building initiatives.
- Participants: Representatives from various Maldivian ministries and organizations.
- Goals: Improve access to sustainable energy, foster regional collaboration, and support advanced energy solutions.
Conclusion:
The launch of SAREP Maldives highlights the commitment to sustainable energy and regional cooperation. This partnership aims to enhance energy access, reliability, and sustainability, promoting economic development and environmental stewardship in South Asia.
Comments are closed.