Mauritius has announced major renewable energy projects that would inject an additional 405 megawatts (MW) into the national grid, aiming to speed the national energy transition and safeguard against a potential power crisis.
The initiatives, revealed by the minister of energy and public utilities, Patrick Gervais Assirvaden, include the Stor'Sun programme, which has a capacity of 30 MW. These private-sector projects are planned to be implemented as early as September this year.
According to the government, the roadmap was finalised after thorough consultations with the Central Electricity Board, the Mauritius Renewable Energy Agency, and the Energy Efficiency Management Office, with a three-year deployment envisaged.
Central to the plan is the development of solar-hybrid facilities featuring battery energy storage systems to provide 100 MW, alongside solar photovoltaic (PV) systems generating a further 120 MW.
Reaffirming the government's commitment to easing the financial burden on households and businesses, Assirvaden noted that these measures are vital to address an energy crisis exacerbated by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Other landmark developments include a 17.5 to 20 MW floating solar PV farm at the Tamarind Falls Reservoir, developed in partnership with India’s National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd under a government-to-government agreement.
The strategy also features an expansion of the Agrivoltaics Scheme, enabling farmers to maintain livestock and crop production while generating renewable power on the same land.
Furthermore, a Home Solar Project will target systems up to 10 kW, supported by the acquisition of 100,000 solar kits for domestic households with the assistance of the Indian government.
Assirvaden also underscored a new "open-door" policy for private promoters and investors to speed up the deployment of green technology.
To support the transition, a national sensitisation campaign will soon be launched to encourage responsible consumption and highlight the long-term benefits of a renewable-led economy.
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