FARI ISLANDS ARCHIPELAGO EXPANDS SOLAR POWER DEVELOPMENTS INCREASING RENEWABLE ENERGY CONTRIBUTION TO 50 PERCENT OF ISLANDS’ TOTAL ENERGY REQUIREMENTS IN 2025
- Nat Frogley
- Jul 3
- 8 min read
In continued partnership with Swimsol new ‘Solar Garden’ to boost
clean energy contributions
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.”
-ENDS-
About Fari Islands
Fari Islands is an elevated Maldivian resort experience that celebrates nature, craft and connection. Anchored by three world-class hospitality brands, Fari Islands is located in the North Malé Atoll of the Maldives, a 50-minute speedboat journey from Malé International Airport. The archipelago also features the picturesque Fari Marina, built around a vibrant Fari Beach Club, charming boutiques and a selection of handpicked, upscale food and beverage options. Spaces have been masterfully designed by renowned architects from Studio Mk27 (by Marcio Kogan), Kengo Kuma & Associates, and Kerry Hill Architects, to bring about a delicate balance of serene and social. One of the islands is home to a thoughtful hospitality campus; Fari Campus is a dedicated island for staff with a focus on community, education, and engagement, and is the first of its kind in the Maldives. For more information, visit fari-islands.com.
About Pontiac Land
Pontiac Land is a privately-held property developer, owner, and operator based in Singapore. The Group’s collection of properties includes mixed-use developments with hospitality, commercial and residential components. Leveraging on sixty years of experience in luxury property development, Pontiac Land seeks to better the built environment through thoughtful architecture and design. Each development is curated with art and spaces are maintained by the Group’s in-house property management team to deliver hospitality to our guests and tenants. The collection spans Singapore, New York, Sydney and the Maldives. In 2006, Pontiac Land co-founded Capella Hotel Group in Asia. The Group subsequently acquired Capella Hotel Group as a wholly-owned subsidiary in 2017, extending Pontiac Land’s presence to over 20 destinations globally. For more information, visit pontiacland.com.
About The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
The property is ideally located at Fari Islands, in the North Malé Atoll of the Maldives, a 45- minute journey by speedboat or a 10-minute seaplane flight from Malé International Airport. The resort designed by Kerry Hill Architects is shaped by the Maldivian sun and shored by the Indian Ocean, featuring a series of 100 interconnected villas, its design-masterpiece Ocean Villas hovering over a turquoise lagoon. With white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and coral reefs the destination is abundant with marine life. Guest villas at The Ritz Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands range in size from one to four bedrooms, with legendary service refined by an Aris Meeha, butler. The property offers a choice of outstanding culinary venues, under Executive Chef Pedro
Samper, serving an array of international and local cuisines, in addition to a full suite of fitness and recreational facilities including Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program, and a signature Ritz-Carlton Spa introducing Bamford to the region.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands forms part of an archipelago that features three world-class hospitality brands inclusive of The Ritz-Carlton. Guests have access to a picturesque Fari Marina – the archipelago’s communal beating heart. Built around a vibrant Beach Club, Fari Marina features charming boutiques and a handpicked selection of dining options. For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives, and for real-time updates, follow the resort on Instagram and Facebook.
About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC
Delivering the Gold Standard in service in coveted destinations around the world, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC currently operates more than 120 hotels in over 35 countries and territories. From iconic urban destinations to stretches of paradise in untouched corners of the earth, The Ritz-Carlton offers the opportunity for true discovery and transformative escapes that stay with guests long after they depart. Committed to thoughtful innovation, The Ritz-Carlton encompasses two ground breaking brand extensions, Ritz-Carlton Reserve and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a collection of rare estates set apart from the world, where personalized care and cultural immersion are paramount. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection translates the brand’s legendary service and hospitality for sea, reimagining the ultra-luxury cruising category. For more information or reservations, visit the company website at www.ritzcarlton.com, for the latest company updates, visit news.marriott.com and to join the live conversation, use #RCMemories and follow along on Facebook, X, and Instagram. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR). The Ritz-Carlton is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enrol for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com. The Ritz-Carlton is committed to supporting the destinations where it operates through Community Footprints, the company’s social and environmental responsibility program.
About Patina Maldives, Fari Islands
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands is the inaugural flagship property from sophisticated new lifestyle brand Patina Hotels & Resorts, the latest hospitality concept by Capella Hotel Group. Designed by renowned Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan, Patina Maldives offers 90 contemporary one-to-three-bedroom Beach and Water Pool Villas, alongside 20 Fari Studios, all of which embody a harmony of sanctuary and stimulation. Set in the Fari Islands archipelago in North Malé Atoll, guests can immerse themselves in a new expression of island life through thoughtful tailormade wellness journeys, interactive music programmes, captivating culinary experiences, and bask in the light- filled James Turrell Skyspace pavilion – all while embracing the vibrant social scene that emanates from the destination. For more information, visit patinahotels.com/maldives-fari-islands.
About Patina Hotels & Resorts
Patina Hotels & Resorts is the transformative luxury brand of Capella Hotel Group. Pioneering a fresh perspective in luxury hospitality, Patina is a destination within the destination, highlighting the energy and common passions that bring like-minded people together and foster meaningful connections with themselves and their surroundings. Patina embodies an evolving journey, transforming moments into lasting marks for the guests just like the Patina Effect. Following Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, Patina Osaka will be the second launch and the brand’s first urban hotel, where creative perspectives open minds and imprint lives...Infinite Imprints!
For more information, visit patinahotels.com.
About Swimsol
Swimsol is the leading solar energy provider for Maldivian resorts and global pioneer in marine floating solar development, with over 40 MWp solar power installed in the Maldives. Swimsol engineers heavy-duty, high-performance solar PV systems for extreme climatic conditions. As experts in offshore solar, island micro-grids and rooftop & ground-mounted solar PV systems for luxury resorts, we make solar energy a hassle-free experience by handling all matters related to design, technology, installation and maintenance. Whereas Swimsol headquarters is based in Vienna, Austria, our local Maldivian team-members, subsidiaries and partners provide on-site services and maintenance, bringing together a vibrant and diverse community of experts to ensure outstanding service. For more information, visit Swimsol.com.
For further press information and images, please contact:
Christina Dendrinou (christina@frogandwolfpr.com), Leanne Barton (leanne@frogandwolfpr.com), Nat Frogley (nat@frogandwolfpr.com) or Flora Gandolfo (flora@frogandwolfpr.com) at Frog & Wolf PR
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