News
Rodrigues Advances Green Transition with Historic Rs 26.5 Million Solar Farming Venture
A historic 500 kW agrivoltaic project in Camp Pintade, Plateau Campi, has officially secured Rs 26.5 million in funding from MauBank, marking a major milestone for modern agriculture and renewable energy in Rodrigues.
The breakthrough green initiative has achieved double validation, pairing crucial financial backing with technical approval from the Central Electricity Board (CEB).
The integrated development model allows for the simultaneous production of clean electricity and crops on the exact same plot of land.
Under the agrivoltaic concept, solar panels will generate green energy while establishing favorable conditions for specific vegetable cultivation underneath, optimizing land use and natural resources.
Key Project Details
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 500 kW |
| Location | Camp-Pintade, Plateau Campi, Rodrigues |
| MauBank Funding | Rs 26.5 million |
| Commission of Agriculture Grant | Rs 1 million |
Funding Allocation and Infrastructure
The Rs 26.5 million loan from MauBank will fully cover the construction of necessary infrastructure.
This includes the installation of:
- Photovoltaic panels, inverters, and mounting structures
- Grid connection systems for the CEB network
- Modern agricultural equipment, including irrigation, water storage, and technical management systems
MauBank representative Milly Edouard stated that the institution maintains a substantial credit line designed to support green projects alongside investments in the agricultural and tourism sectors, reflecting a growing banking commitment to sustainable regional innovation.
Local Backing and Food Security
The Commission of Agriculture, led by Commissioner Louis Ange Perrine, has further supported the venture by providing a cheque of Rs 1 million to cover a portion of the CEB grid connection fees.
Commissioner Perrine noted that growing vegetables beneath the solar panels will foster more regular, year-round production, strengthening food security in Rodrigues.
The island currently relies heavily on vegetables imported by boat from Mauritius.
Some imports remain strictly banned to prevent the introduction of fruit flies and bacteria—a restriction that saw several traders have their vegetable cargoes seized just this month.
The Commissioner added that multiple other agricultural projects will be developed in the coming years to increase local yields and combat persistent water scarcity.
A Family Dream Realised
The venture is the brainchild of the Carpenen family of Camp-Pintade, who have spent over a decade working to establish an agri-solar farm.
Family patriarch Jorgenson Carpenen, a recognized local specialist in bean production and livestock breeding, has dedicated over 50 years of his life to traditional farming.
His son, Shahed Carpenen, pursued university studies in veterinary medicine before returning to Rodrigues to join his father.
Together, they established a family company to modernize their agricultural operations and drive the island’s energy transition.
Environmental and Economic Impact
By injecting clean electricity directly into the CEB grid to power local homes and infrastructure, the 500 kW solar plant will significantly reduce the island’s dependence on imported fossil fuels.
The financial viability of the project will be sustained by exporting surplus energy to generate regular revenue, aiding the repayment of the bank loan.
On the environmental front, the facility will significantly lower carbon dioxide emissions and support national transition targets to increase renewable energy within the Mauritian energy mix.
Locally, the project is expected to create direct and indirect employment across solar energy, agriculture, technical maintenance, and environmental management, while offering new avenues for youth, farmers, and local entrepreneurs.
Source: Le Mauricien
