Despite the fact that nearly all of its territory is made up of ocean, the Maldives has a surprisingly high number of vehicles, resulting in the transport sector being the second highest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting sector in the country. Out of the total 131,000 registered vehicles in the Maldives, Electric Vehicles (EVs) make up only 4%, primarily found in the tricycles and e-bicycles categories. The Northern Island in the Maldives, Vaadhoo Island, sees this opportunity by committing to replacing all motorized vehicles on the island with alternative fuel vehicles since 2020. This year, this small island launched its first-ever community-built solar charging station for electric vehicles, producing renewable energy to power the charging stations and offset their carbon footprint.
Promoting sustainable modes of transport, notably EVs powered by renewable sources, stands as a pivotal objective for the Maldives government, which has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030. The case study serves as a beacon, showcasing the adoption of low-emission pathways not only for the Maldives but also for other Small Island Developing States (SIDS). SIDS face high levels of energy insecurity and high petrol prices, yet are responsible for less than 1% of global carbon emissions. EVs present a unique opportunity for SIDS since they can reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, which are often expensive and unreliable, while also contributing to GHG emission abatement. The compact road networks and short commuting distances in SIDS can expedite the adoption of EVs and hybrid vehicles. Moreover, the electrification of public transit in SIDS can yield substantial benefits for public finances. By decarbonizing the energy and transport sectors, SIDS can advance their mitigation strategies, serve as testing grounds for new technologies, and progress toward phasing out fossil fuels.
Read the full SEH Bulletin 3.
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