Sustainable Initiatives: Launch of 20 Solar-Powered Aquaponic Gardens

In a move towards sustainable agriculture in Mauritius, Vivo Energy Mauritius, the official franchise holder for Shell, has unveiled a significant agreement with Leal Energie Ltd. This partnership will integrate solar energy into community aquaponic gardens, with Leal Energie Ltd sponsoring the installation of 20 autonomous solar kits.

Since 2021, Vivo Energy Mauritius has been unwavering in its dedication to promoting sustainable farming practices.

The company has successfully established aquaponic gardens in five primary schools, including one on Rodrigues Island, as well as in nine NGOs and two social welfare centres.

This new collaboration with Leal Energie Ltd is a continuation of this important initiative.

Fouad Khfifi, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Mauritius, remarked:

“We are taking real steps towards cleaner energy, particularly through our collaboration with Leal Energie Ltd.

This partnership allows us to enhance our community projects with valued solar kits, significantly boosting their impact.

Additionally, this initiative helps to broaden access to renewable energy for many.”

The addition of solar systems provides essential stability for the aquatic life within these aquaponic setups.

Leal Energie Ltd will oversee the provision, installation, and maintenance of off-grid solar kits, ensuring that these gardens operate at their best.

Each installation will be equipped with solar panels generating up to 1 kW, complemented by an inverter and a 3.1 kWh battery pack, guaranteeing a reliable energy supply even on less sunny days.

The project will initially deploy five solar kits, with plans to add another fifteen in the future.

Vivo Energy Mauritius has announced a competition later this year to select five schools that will be beneficiaries of this initiative, allowing for the further establishment of aquaponic gardens.

All necessary solar equipment will be provided by Leal Energie Ltd, who will handle both installation and ongoing maintenance.

Each autonomous solar kit is expected to reduce energy consumption from the national grid by 1,120 kWh and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 960 kg annually.

Eric Leal, Director of Leal Energie Ltd, shared his excitement:

“We are delighted to partner with Vivo Energy Mauritius on this project, which stands as a clear representation of our commitment to clean energy.

By supporting community initiatives, we empower more people to achieve self-sufficiency.”

This collaboration signifies a key advancement in Vivo Energy Mauritius’s mission to promote eco-friendly and accessible energy solutions for everyone.

As part of this agreement, the partners will ensure recipients benefit from a free maintenance plan lasting five years, which includes a three-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Staff training will also be provided to ensure effective management and upkeep of the systems, along with a dedicated awareness campaign at each site.

Source: Le Mauricien