Fari Islands Archipelago Expands Solar Power Developments Increasing Renewable Energy Contribution To 50 Percent Of Islands’ Total Energy Requirements In 2025

Fari Islands, the four-island archipelago and unique ecosystem of world-class hospitality brands including The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, Capella Hotel Group’s Patina Maldives and the innovative Fari Campus, is working collaboratively towards its net zero vision. Announcing significant growth in the islands’ renewable energy framework and photovoltaic (PV) sources, 2025 will see the destination reaching new heights in clean energy contributions, with a threefold increase bringing the total solar capacity at Fari Islands to 6.4 MWp. Once fully implemented, the solar systems have the potential to supply up to 50 percent of the islands’ energy demand on sunny days, with overall solar penetration expected to be slightly below 50 percent when accounting for varying weather conditions.

Since inception in 2021, the Fari Islands development by Singapore-based, luxury property developer, Pontiac Land Group has been anchored in sustainable architecture and design. In its fruition, as the largest hospitality project globally to benefit from the extensive use of offsite manufacturing technology known as ‘Mass Engineered Timber’, the destination was able to reduce carbon emissions by over 6,000 tons after production and transportation. All villas were prefabricated, to ensure minimal run off into the marine ecosystem, and in a departure from the conventional thatched roof structures of the Maldives, villas and amenities were designed with flat roofs, allowing solar panels to be easily mounted. The Fari Islands community continues its trajectory to minimise environmental impact across all operations.

David Tsang, Chief Executive Officer of Pontiac Land Group said, “At the core of our company’s approach to real estate development and investment is a long-term commitment to responsibility, integrity, and sustainability. We believe that each project should not only meet the highest standards of quality but also contribute positively to the environment and society. This renewable energy expansion represents a significant milestone in our sustainability journey. By embracing renewable energy, we are taking tangible steps to reduce our carbon footprint, advance our environmental goals, and support sustainability progress in the hospitality and tourism sectors”.

In partnership with Swimsol, the Maldives’ leading solar energy provider and global pioneer in marine floating solar development, SolarSea®, the Fari Islands is working on one of the largest solar installations in the region. 

To better harness the full potential of solar energy, 2025 will see the completion of the following installations at Fari Islands: 

• The first floating solar system to be installed in the ocean surrounding the archipelago’s Fari Campus. The installation comprises of 40 platforms and 2,160 PV panels. It will provide 24 percent of the islands’ total energy requirements alone, adding 1,037 kWp to the grid. The project is scheduled for completion, including the battery house, in the last quarter of 2025.

• Fari Campus, the destination’s innovative hub for island staff, comprising accommodation with a focus on community, education, and engagement has also enhanced its land-based PV installations totalling 1,200 kWp across 19 residential and community buildings. 

• The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands added solar roof coverage across its 61 Ocean Villas in September 2024, then added all back-of-house, Beach Shack restaurant and Dive Centre, increasing the total solar capacity to 983 kWp. In 2024, the property achieved two key environmental recognitions, including the 2024 Green Globe Certification for its unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and responsible hospitality, along with the Forbes VERIFIED Responsible Hospitality badge, awarded to properties that uphold over 100 stringent standards designed to protect the environment and support the well-being of employees, guests, and local communities.

Oscar Postma, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands comments: “We are incredibly proud to be an anchor in the Fari Islands unique ecosystem, dedicated to ensuring our environmental footprint is light and fruitful for the planet and our community. As we continue to invest and innovate, this is a significant milestone in our renewable energy contribution. The invaluable partnership with Swimsol propels us closer to our collaborative net zero goals for the future.”

• Patina Maldives will mark a crucial milestone in its journey towards sustainable energy in 2025, enabling the property to rely solely on solar energy during daylight hours, with a total of 2,994 kWp of solar panels in operation. 980 kWp of panels are situated on a land bank on the East of the island, with a further 2,014 kWp installed on the rooftops of all of the resort’s beach villas and F&B outlets, as well as the FLOW Spa, dive centre, Portico, kids club and back-of-house buildings. 2 MWh of extra battery capacity are also incorporated. In 2024 and 2025, Patina Maldives reaffirmed its commitment to conscious luxury and sustainability with back-to-back EarthCheck Silver Certifications and the Forbes VERIFIED Responsible Hospitality badge, awarded for meeting over 100 rigorous standards in environmental and social responsibility.

Anthony Gill, General Manager of Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, commented: “Through our continued commitment to sustainability, we take another powerful step toward a healthier, more sustainable world with the completion of our solar installations. This achievement reflects the passion and dedication of our team, alongside the invaluable collaboration with Swimsol. With each renewable energy milestone, we are not only safeguarding the Maldives’ extraordinary beauty—we are setting a bold example of what’s possible when we unite for the well-being of our planet and its future.”