Amidst the turquoise lagoons and powder-soft sands of the Maldives, Veligandu Maldives Resort Island is redefining luxury by embracing sustainability at its core. The renowned five-star island retreat has completed the final stage of its solar energy project, enabling the resort to operate fully on solar power for up to eight hours a day during clear weather an impressive achievement in the realm of eco-conscious hospitality.
The solar energy project began in July 2024 as a joint venture with Swimsol, an Austrian company specializing in solar power solutions for island nations. This strategic partnership focused on developing an efficient solar infrastructure tailored to Veligandu’s tropical setting. After months of meticulous planning and phased development, the resort transitioned into partial solar operation just before its grand reopening on 10 November 2024. The installation initially went live without battery storage, allowing the resort to integrate clean energy directly into daily operations.
The transformative phase was completed on 19 September 2025 with the introduction of a state-of-the-art 1,668-kilowatt battery storage system. The project now boasts 3,003 solar panels capable of generating 1,441 kilowatts of energy, paired with advanced battery storage to ensure a consistent and reliable power supply. With this system in place, Veligandu Maldives now prevents approximately 4,750 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions each day, positioning itself as a benchmark for responsible tourism in the Indian Ocean.
Fathuhulla Ibrahim, General Manager of Veligandu Maldives Resort Island, expressed pride in the resort’s transition towards clean energy. “This marks a new chapter in our journey,” he said. “We can now give our generators a well-deserved rest for up to eight hours daily, a concept that was unimaginable just a year ago. I extend my deepest appreciation to our Owners for their continued investment in a sustainable future.”
Fathuhulla also reflected on the tangible transformation guests can witness. “For the first time in four decades, visitors exploring our operational areas can step into the generator room and hear nothing but silence. It’s not just a technical shift, but a symbolic milestone that speaks to the progress we’ve made.”
The move toward solar energy is not only about reducing emissions, it’s a strategic business direction that enhances guest experience and reinforces environmental stewardship. Ahmed Shaheen, Chief Commercial Leader at Crown & Champa Resorts (the parent brand of Veligandu Maldives), emphasized how sustainability initiatives contribute to the Maldives’ appeal as a premium tourist destination. “By integrating renewable energy into resort operations, we’re not just protecting the delicate marine and island ecosystems that define the Maldives; we’re also offering travelers an experience rooted in ethics, responsibility, and long-term vision.”
Since its reopening in November 2024, Veligandu has welcomed guests with a renewed identity. Now part of the exclusive Crown & Champa Resorts collection, the island offers ultra-luxury accommodations designed with an authentic Maldivian touch. The resort’s “barefoot luxury” philosophy, merged with forward-thinking environmental practices, creates a unique blend of comfort and conscience.
Looking ahead, Veligandu Maldives aims to further expand its energy storage and optimize its usage through sophisticated energy management systems. The resort’s long-term vision is to fully eliminate reliance on diesel power, offering a model that other island resorts in the region and beyond can aspire to emulate.
advertisment
advertisment
