Soneva’s Maldivian properties are aiming to generate close to 50% of their energy needs from photovoltaic (PV) sources.
The renewable energy capacity at Soneva Fushi max out at 12% of the resort’s energy load currently.
The award-winning sustainable resort operator is gearing up to expand the alternative energy infrastructure on the back of a USD 10 million funding from German’s Aareal Bank, provided in December 2022.
Soneva expanded renewable energy infrastructure in both the properties, with the installation of a 2.55 MWp (megawatt peak) panels with a 2.7 MWh (megawatt hours) of battery capacity in Soneva Fushi, and a 2.75 MWp panels with 2.0 MWh battery capacity in Soneva Jani.
“Our investment in solar energy demonstrates our commitment to sustainability at the same time as contributing positively to our bottom line,” said Bruce Bromley, the Chief Financial Officer and Deputy CEO at Soneva.
“Embracing solar power on such a significant scale has substantially reduced our carbon footprint and demonstrates what is possible in the hospitality industry. The invaluable support from Aareal Bank has paved the way for integrating our energy systems with other renewable technologies, propelling us closer to our goal of achieving fossil fuel-free operations.”
Besides Soneva Jani and Soneva Fushi, the luxury hospitality brand’s 2024 property, Soneva Secret, will implement floating solar panels, which would cover 90% of the resort’s energy load.