Rs 2.2 Billion Floating Solar Farm Fast-Tracked for Tamarind Falls

Energy Minister Patrick Assirvaden has announced the construction of a pioneering Rs 2.2 billion floating solar farm at Tamarind Falls, which he expects to be operational within twelve months.

The project, which will generate between 17 and 20 megawatts (MW) of energy, marks the first of its kind in Mauritius and the Indian Ocean. It will be built by an Indian public-sector company under a government-to-government (G-to-G) agreement.

Key Project Details and Context

The announcement was made on Thursday, 9 October, by Minister Assirvaden during a visit to the site alongside the Indian High Commissioner, Anurag Srivastava, and technicians from the Central Electricity Board (CEB) and the Central Water Authority (CWA).

The initiative follows on from recent high-level discussions in India during a state visit by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam.

Minister Assirvaden, who was part of the delegation, confirmed talks were held with Indian counterparts, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, about the energy challenges facing Mauritius.

The floating farm is an innovative solution to land scarcity, as it will occupy one-third of the Tamarind Falls reservoir surface.

The minister noted that placing the panels on water keeps them cooler, which improves their efficiency and extends their lifespan.

Integration and Bilateral Cooperation

A delegation from India is due to arrive next week to launch the project, with technical and financial working sessions planned with the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Finance.

The power generated by this new floating farm, along with that from two smaller solar farms at Henrietta, will feed into a common battery to facilitate integration into the national electricity grid.

High Commissioner Srivastava confirmed the arrival of the Indian delegation to launch the Tamarind Falls project.

Broader Renewable Energy Strategy

Mr. Assirvaden outlined the country’s ambitious goal to reach 60 per cent renewable energy in the overall mix by 2035.

Other ongoing renewable energy projects include the expansion of the existing wind farm in the North.

The minister also mentioned upcoming negotiations with Indian Oil regarding the LNG component, with the aim of progressing quickly.

Energy Efficiency Drive

To complement these generation projects, a national energy efficiency campaign will be launched next week.

This major campaign will involve the MBC, private radio stations, and several public institutions.

Mr. Assirvaden estimated that improvements in energy efficiency could result in savings of up to 45 MW, adding that the overall strategy aims to mobilise the public and economic operators, particularly hotels, to mitigate the risk of power outages or blackouts in the coming months.

When questioned about the possibility of Mauritius importing petroleum products from India, the High Commissioner stated only that discussions are currently underway with the government.

Source: Le Mauricien