Photo: Sarim/UNDP Maldives. Retrieved from undp.org
Clean energy is key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
The UN’s Global Roadmap[[1]](https://www.undp.org/maldives/stories/affordable-reliable-and-modern-clean-energy-services-maldives#_ftn1) sets out milestones the world must reach to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. To date, more than 70 countries now have net zero targets either enshrined in legislation or outlined as a goal in policy documents[[2]](https://www.undp.org/maldives/stories/affordable-reliable-and-modern-clean-energy-services-maldives#_ftn2),illustrating the real investment and commitment to the energy transition. Maldives in fact revised its target, stating that the country can become net-zero as early as 2030 with international support.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and our partners are stepping in to help, spearheading initiatives aimed at promoting energy transition and fostering sustainability across diverse sectors of the Maldives, beyond investing in power generation and renewable energy installations.
Making the Transport Sector a Decarbonization Priority
The exponential growth of vehicles in capital Male’, exacerbated by urbanization and population increase, has led to a surge in carbon emissions and poor air quality. To address the escalating emissions from the transport sector, UNDP’s collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation to promote energy transition, saw the installation of the capital’s first five charging stations for a solar-backed electric vehicle (EV) minibus route in the Greater Male’ Region. The charging stations backed by solar panels signify a paradigm shift in urban transportation, offering cleaner and greener alternatives to conventional vehicles, and marks a significant milestone in the Maldives’ journey towards sustainable mobility.