
Mauritius Advances Solar Deployment to Benefit 2,000 Households
In an exemplary move toward sustainable energy solutions, the Central Electricity Board (CEB), operating under the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities of Mauritius, has achieved significant progress in expanding the implementation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems through the Home Solar Project (HSP) scheme. Facilitated by concessional funding amounting to USD 10 million from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) under the IRENA/ADFD Project Facility, covering half of the project’s total costs, the initiative underscores the commitment of Mauritius to adopting renewable energy solutions.
Given the island nation’s status as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), the CEB’s Home Solar Project has garnered approval from both ADFD and IRENA teams. The objective is to install 10,000 solar PV systems on household rooftops across Mauritius, emphasizing the socio-economic impact and climate advantages of rooftop solar PV in the region.
Aligned with Mauritius’ dedication to reducing reliance on fossil fuels and decarbonizing the energy sector, the project aims to achieve a total capacity of 10 megawatts (MW) upon completion. This translates to a significant reduction of 15,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent and savings of USD 400,000 annually, concurrently diminishing the nation’s dependence on diesel fuels.
Denis Trevedy, a resident of Dagotière in Mauritius, attests to the tangible benefits of the initiative, stating, “The first benefit we saw was the reduction in our electricity bills. When we saw it drop by more than 50%, it was really great. And when people heard about the savings we were making, everyone was interested.”
The project aligns with the Mauritian government’s broader efforts toward social and economic development, contributing to the targeted objective of achieving 60% of electricity from renewables by 2030. As part of the incentive structure for hosting CEB’s solar module, participating households receive a free baseline consumption, leading to reduced electricity charges. Any surplus electricity generated but left unconsumed is injected back into the grid.
Emilie Lacharmante, a beneficiary residing in Petite Julie, shares, “The solar power has considerably reduced our electricity bills. It has enabled us to buy more groceries. We’ve been able to make enough for the month, completely.”
With a particular focus on providing rooftop solar modules to social housing developments, the CEB ensures that solar panels are provided and installed free of charge for beneficiary households. The success of the initiative is further emphasized by a robust outreach program and awareness campaign implemented by CEB, resulting in the installation of solar systems for 2,000 households.
The collaborative efforts of ADFD and IRENA have identified and supported 26 clean energy projects in 21 countries, spanning Asia, Africa, Latin America, and SIDS. Encompassing a diverse range of technologies and renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, and biomass, the IRENA/ADFD Project Facility is estimated to generate a total capacity of 245 MW. These projects are poised to meet the energy needs of over 4.5 million households and businesses across different regions.