The State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) is preparing to begin construction of a new 70-megawatt powerhouse in Hulhumalé later this year as part of efforts to keep pace with the rapidly growing electricity demand in the Greater Malé region.
STELCO Managing Director Dr. Ali Azuwar said the company is moving ahead with several projects to expand power generation capacity, with the new Hulhumalé facility expected to play a key role in meeting future demand driven by population growth and ongoing housing developments.
Speaking to state media PSM News, Dr. Azuwar said the Greater Malé area’s electricity requirements have continued to increase as new residential projects are completed and more people relocate to the capital region.
He explained that while STELCO has previously relied on high-speed generator sets to meet annual increases in electricity demand, the company’s long-term strategy is now focused on investing in larger, more efficient power generation facilities.
“Previously, to meet the annual increase in electricity demand, we had to procure high-speed generator sets. However, in preparation for next year’s peak demand and that of 2028, we plan to develop a medium-speed powerhouse in Hulhumalé Phase II,” Dr. Azuwar said.
According to STELCO, work is expected to begin around September on the new 70-megawatt powerhouse adjacent to the existing Hulhumalé Powerhouse under the company’s Fifth Power Project.
Once completed, the project will increase Hulhumalé’s total electricity generation capacity to 120 megawatts, significantly strengthening the island’s ability to meet rising demand.
In addition to the permanent facility, STELCO is also developing a 20-megawatt temporary powerhouse in Hulhumalé Phase II to help provide additional generating capacity while larger infrastructure projects are under construction.
Dr. Azuwar said the company is also planning further expansion projects as electricity demand in the Greater Malé region is expected to continue growing over the coming years.
The latest project follows changes to the government’s long-term power generation strategy. The site next to the existing Hulhumalé Powerhouse had originally been earmarked for a 100-megawatt facility under the Sixth Power Project.
However, following updated demand forecasts, the government revised those plans, expanding the Sixth Power Project from 100 megawatts to 200 megawatts and relocating the large-scale development to Gulhifalhu.
As the Maldives continues to develop major housing projects in Hulhumalé and nearby reclaimed islands, electricity demand in the Greater Malé region has risen steadily. STELCO has been investing in new generation capacity, transmission infrastructure and grid upgrades to ensure a stable power supply for the expanding urban population.
The planned 70-megawatt powerhouse is expected to form part of those wider efforts, providing additional capacity ahead of future peak demand while supporting the continued growth of the Greater Malé region.
