By Faridat Salifu
Mauritius recently celebrated the inauguration of the Arsenal solar power plant, a significant milestone in the island nation’s journey towards sustainable energy.
This initiative aligns with Mauritius’ broader strategy to reduce reliance on thermal power stations fueled by fossil fuels, paving the way for a greener and more resilient energy landscape.
Developed by the esteemed French company GreenYellow, the 14 MWp plant signifies a pivotal step towards reducing carbon emissions and fostering a cleaner energy future.
Amidst distinguished guests, including Mauritian Minister for Energy Georges Pierre Lesjongard, the inauguration ceremony marked a momentous occasion for Mauritius.
Arsenal solar power plant is poised to augment Mauritius’ energy infrastructure by adding 14 MWp of clean energy to the national grid.
With an estimated annual output of 20 GWh, equivalent to powering 4,500 Mauritian households, the plant represents a significant stride towards enhancing energy sustainability.
The official commissioning of the 15-hectare solar power plant underscores GreenYellow’s commitment to supporting Mauritius’ ambitious renewable energy goals.
Mauritian Minister of Energy and Public Utilities, Hon Georges Pierre Lesjongard, lauded the company, pointing out that the investment is a testament to Mauritius’ dedication to achieving its national targets of sourcing 35% of electricity from renewable sources by 2025 and 60% by 2030.
Supporting the endeavor to decarbonize electricity, local stakeholders, including the Commercial Bank of Mauritius (MCB), played a pivotal role in financing the Arsenal project.
The MCB’s investment of 350 million Mauritian rupees (approximately 7.5 million euros) underscores the collaborative efforts driving sustainable development in Mauritius.
Looking ahead, Mauritius remains committed to its energy transition journey. The Central Electricity Board (CEB) has entrusted the French company Qair with the construction of four solar power plants equipped with a battery-based electricity storage system.
With a combined capacity of 60 MWp, these facilities represent a significant investment of 151 million dollars, further solidifying Mauritius’ position as a frontrunner in renewable energy adoption in the Indian Ocean region.