President opens new powerhouse in Thinadhoo

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has inaugurated a new powerhouse built in V. Thinadhoo by the State Electric Company (STELCO), as part of the government’s efforts to re-locate the island’s powerhouse to a non-residential area.

The island’s previous powerhouse had been located in a residential area, giving rise to complaints regarding the noise and pollution, both from the locals and tourists who visit the island.

The powerhouse in Thinadhoo has been the first one STELCO had taken over the management of, when civilian-run powerhouses in islands were taken under government management in 2010.

STELCO said the powerhouse had a small generator when it took over management. The company brought in new generators and ensured uninterrupted power services in the island.

Construction of the new powerhouse in Thinadhoo which opened Monday had been one of President Solih’s electoral pledges in the 2018 presidential election. STELCO broke ground on the new powerhouse in 2020.

The new powerhouse in Thinadhoo is equipped with the latest quiet generators. The powerhouse has the capacity to generate 1.3 megawatts of power, and is designed to accommodate installation of additional generator sets to accommodate a possible surge in power consumption.

The powerhouse in also equipped with solar panels with the capacity to generate 30 kilowatts of power, in a bid to lessen reliance on fuel and opt for renewable energy sources.