Mauritius announces Rs 41 billion investment in renewable energy over three years
The Mauritian government is advancing its energy transition strategy with a Rs 41 billion investment in renewable energy over the next three to four years, involving both local private sector and foreign investors. Patrick Assirvaden, the Minister of Energy and Public Utilities, launched the Household Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic Grant Scheme, a Rs 270 million initiative funded by the Climate Sustainability Fund. This program offers grants up to 25% of installation costs, capped at Rs 75,000 per household, for middle-class families earning up to Rs 150,000 monthly. The scheme supports photovoltaic systems up to 3.5 kW, with or without battery storage, and larger systems with batteries meeting CEB Solar PV Scheme criteria. The Development Bank of Mauritius will manage the program. Minister Assirvaden emphasized that this measure aims to democratize solar energy access and reduce fossil fuel dependence, cautioning service providers against price gouging. He also announced the creation of a renewable energy subsidiary within the Central Electricity Board CEB to manage electricity from private producers and integrate decentralized sources. Furthermore, a national agrivoltaics strategy is being developed, allowing farmers to install photovoltaic panels in fields. A new inter-ministerial committee, chaired by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, will address land use for food security and renewable energy production. The minister also highlighted the importance of bagasse in the energy mi
