Low Carbon Energy - The Maldives National University

Goal 13: Climate Action

Low Carbon Energy

The Maldives National University > Sustainability 2025 > SDG 13 > Low Carbon Energy

Promoting Low-Carbon Energy at MNU

The Maldives National University (MNU) supports SDG 13 by promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency, low-carbon technologies, and sustainable practices through campus operations, education, research, professional training, and international partnerships. These initiatives contribute to climate change mitigation by encouraging reduced dependence on fossil fuels, strengthening technical capacity, and supporting the transition towards low-carbon development in the Maldives.

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency on Campus

The Central Administration Building and Health Science Building in Malé, as well as Hithadhoo Campus in Addu Atoll, are equipped with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The installation at the Central Administration Building has a capacity of 40.32 kW, comprising 192 panels, with an estimated annual electricity generation of 60,000–65,000 kWh. The Health Science Building has a 35 kW system, while Hithadhoo Campus has a 10 kW system. These installations support renewable electricity generation and demonstrate MNU’s commitment to promoting low-carbon energy use. The University also plans to expand its investment in solar energy in the near future to further increase renewable energy use across its campuses.

The University also promotes energy efficiency through the use of energy-saving LED lighting across its facilities, helping to reduce electricity consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions. These measures contribute to more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable campus operations. The University also promotes energy conservation through staff awareness and training programmes. On 8 February 2026, approximately 80 administrative and support staff participated in the MNU Sustainability Training Initiative, which focused on practical measures to reduce electricity consumption, minimise paper use, and encourage environmentally responsible workplace practices. In addition, the Kulhudhuffushi Campus Earth Hour initiative in March 2024 promoted energy conservation and climate awareness among students and staff. A Utility Regulatory Authority information session held at Kulhudhuffushi Campus in August 2025 further strengthened staff awareness of energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable resource management.

Education and Research Supporting the Low-Carbon Transition

MNU integrates renewable energy and sustainable technologies into academic programmes and research activities. The Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Hons), launched in 2025, provides opportunities for students to develop technical competencies in power systems, renewable energy, and related technologies. In addition, Master of Research in Engineering Science creates opporutnities for students to undertake research on renewable energy or related technologies. Practical learning is supported through industry engagement, including a March 2025 student visit to STELCO, where engineering students learned about solar photovoltaic systems, battery storage, grid stability, and renewable energy integration.

MNU also promotes research addressing energy efficiency and low-carbon development. In 2026, an MNU-led study titled “Analysis of Household Electricity Consumption for Cooling in Malé Region” received funding through the National Research Fund. The study aims to examine household cooling demand and identify opportunities for energy-efficient building design and electricity demand management, supporting more sustainable urban energy systems.

Advancing Low-Carbon Transport and Maritime Sustainability

MNU contributes to low-carbon transport research and capacity building through its Centre for Maritime Studies and other academic units. In September 2025, the Centre collaborated on a white paper on sustainable marine transport, examining the potential application of electric hydrofoil ferry technology to reduce the environmental impacts of conventional marine transport in the Maldives. MNU also participated in international training and knowledge exchange on greener shipping, including a 2025 workshop on greenhouse gas reduction and digital maritime training organised with the International Maritime Lecturers Association. The University’s Centre for Maritime Studies delivered a keynote presentation on building capacity for green and low-carbon shipping in Small Island Developing States. Earlier participation in professional training on greener shipping in 2023 further supported institutional capacity in alternative fuels, emerging maritime technologies, and the International Maritime Organization’s greenhouse gas reduction strategy.

Research Dissemination, Awareness, and International Collaboration

MNU promotes knowledge exchange on renewable energy and low-carbon technologies through academic conferences, public forums, and international partnerships. The International Conference on Electrical, Computer, Communications and Mechatronics Engineering (ICECCME) 2024 featured research on renewable energy systems, solar technologies, smart grids, and intelligent energy systems. The Theveli International Conference 2026 also provided a platform for research on renewable energy, sustainable development, climate action, and island circular economies.

Public engagement activities included the Ilmee Foavahi 2025 academic forum, which featured research on the adoption of green vehicles for last-mile delivery in Greater Malé, and the MNU Speaker Series featuring renewable energy pioneer Dr Ibrahim Nashid in September 2025, highlighting solar energy, clean transport, and green entrepreneurship.

In October 2025, MNU also became a member of the International Zero Carbon Island Cooperation Organisation, strengthening opportunities for international collaboration on low-carbon technologies, sustainable energy, transport, and climate-resilient island development.

Collectively, these initiatives demonstrate MNU’s commitment to supporting low-carbon development and climate change mitigation through renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency, education, research, professional training, and international collaboration.

MNU’s Commitment to Renewable Energy and Carbon Emissions Reduction

MNU is committed to advancing climate action and promoting the transition towards renewable energy and low-carbon campus operations. As part of its Climate and Environment Action Plan, MNU has established a target to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2035, contributing to national climate mitigation goals and sustainable development priorities. To achieve this target, the University will progressively promote the adoption of renewable energy technologies, particularly solar photovoltaic systems, improve energy efficiency across its campuses, and implement measures to reduce fossil fuel consumption and electricity demand. MNU will also establish a greenhouse gas emissions inventory to monitor emissions from direct fuel consumption (Scope 1) and purchased electricity (Scope 2) for tracking its reduction target. These efforts will be supported by sustainable infrastructure planning, energy-efficient procurement, staff and student awareness programmes, and regular monitoring and reporting. Through these initiatives, MNU contributes to SDG 13 by strengthening climate governance, advancing renewable energy and energy efficiency, and reducing its carbon footprint to support a sustainable, low-carbon university.