Mauritius Must Secure 100 MW Power Boost Urgently by 2026

Mauritius faces a critical moment in its energy landscape, with a projected need for 100 megawatts (MW) of extra electricity by January 2026 to ensure national energy security. The Minister of Energy has issued an urgent call to action, as the country’s energy consumption has already approached and occasionally exceeded 600 MW.

This situation is mainly driven by ongoing development projects, including the “Smart Cities” initiative and various commercial enterprises, all contributing to rising electricity demand.

Addressing this challenge quickly and effectively is essential, as emphasized by Patrick Assirvaden in Parliament.

To meet the upcoming energy shortfall, the government has launched a call for expressions of interest for an electric barge project.

Beyond this immediate solution, the government is actively exploring other practical and realistic alternatives to strengthen the country’s energy independence.

Managing electricity demand will be a key part of this strategy. The Minister highlighted that improving energy efficiency will be a crucial lever to control consumption and secure a sustainable energy future.

Currently, average energy consumption stands at 567.9 MW. The hospitality sector’s cooperation—reducing operations during difficult periods—has helped manage demand and avoid more severe pressure on the grid.

However, with occasional peaks over 600 MW, the urgent need for additional capacity remains clear, the Minister stressed.

Source: Le Mauricien