Mauritius plans to add 405 megawatts of new generation capacity to the national grid over the next three years, Energy Minister Patrick Gervais Assirvaden announced on Monday.
The planned additions include the development of renewable energy hybrid facility projects for the storage of solar capacity providing 100 MW as well as solar photovoltaic system to produce a total of 120 MW; and the establishment of a 17.5MW to 20MW floating solar farm at Tamarind Falls Reservoir under a partnership with India’s National Thermal Power Corporation.
Other initiatives include a 20MW carbon‑neutral programme for commercial rooftops and parking areas, an additional 15MW to 20MW of wind capacity at Plaine des Roches, and the liberalisation of the home solar project for domestic systems of up to 10kW.
The Mauritian government also plans to acquire 100,000 home solar kits with support from India.
A 20MW battery storage system to manage peak demand between 18:00 and 21:00 is expected to become operational in July, while three private‑sector hybrid projects under the Stor’Sun banner, with a combined capacity of 30MW, are scheduled for implementation in September.
Speaking at a press conference in Port Louis, Assirvaden said the projects were identified in consultation with the Central Electricity Board, the Mauritius Renewable Energy Agency and the Energy Efficiency Management Office.
He said the expansion drive is central to government’s strategy to stabilise supply, accelerate the shift to renewable energy and reduce pressure on households and businesses.
The minister said only projects incorporating battery storage will be prioritised, alongside regulatory changes aimed at curbing electricity wastage.
A national sensitisation campaign on responsible consumption is also expected to be launched.
Assirvaden said the combined initiatives will strengthen grid stability, support greater integration of renewable energy and enhance the country’s long‑term energy resilience.
JN/APA