Soneva Secret Unveils Maldives Microgrid Innovation

Announced January 8, 2026, the Soneva Secret resort in the Maldives is launching an ambitious microgrid project incorporating a 2 MWp floating solar PV plant and a 3 MWh battery storage system. According to pv magazine Global, this system is projected to save between 900,000 and 1,000,000 liters of diesel annually, preventing over 2,000 tons of CO2 emissions.

Island power generation typically relies on diesel generators. Scaling renewable projects in such contexts often faces significant challenges due to limited land and roof space. For over three years, the Soneva group has collaborated with Canopy Power on sustainable energy solutions for its Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani resorts; these microgrids currently address 40-45% of their power demands.

With Soneva Secret, the objective is far more ambitious, aiming for a 75-80% renewable energy penetration rate. As pv magazine Global reports, Sujay Malve, Co-founder and CEO of Canopy Power, emphasized the necessity: "The only way they can generate electricity is from diesel gensets, which produce high emissions, and fuel is expensive and painful from a logistics point of view. Also, Soneva wanted as much independence as possible from the volatility of diesel prices."

Our take: The Soneva Secret project isn't just about operational efficiency; it's a blueprint for sustainable luxury in remote, power-constrained environments. As volatility in global energy markets increases, resorts that can decouple from fossil fuel dependency will gain a distinct competitive advantage, enhancing both their ecological footprint and their long-term financial stability. This move solidifies Soneva's position as a leader in environmentally conscious hospitality.