ADFD-backed CEB home solar project drives solar revolution in Mauritius

The Central Electricity Board (CEB) of Mauritius, under the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities, is accelerating the adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems through its Home Solar Project (HSP) scheme. The project, backed by concessional funding of USD 10 million from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) under the IRENA/ADFD Project Facility, signifies a crucial step towards sustainable energy in the Small Island Developing State (SIDS).

IRENA and ADFD approved CEB’s proposal to install 10,000 solar PV systems on household rooftops across Mauritius, aligning with the nation’s commitment to reducing fossil fuel dependence and achieving a 60% share of electricity from renewables by 2030. With a total capacity of 10 megawatts (MW), the project is anticipated to save 15,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent and USD 400,000 annually, contributing to the decarbonization of the energy sector and reducing reliance on diesel fuels.

Denis Trevedy, a resident of Dagotière, Mauritius, attested to the project’s immediate benefits, stating, “The first benefit we saw was the reduction in our electricity bills. When we saw it drop by more than 50%, it was really great. And when people heard about the savings we were making, everyone was interested.”

Emilie Lacharmante, another project beneficiary in Petite Julie, highlighted how solar power considerably reduced electricity bills, enabling them to allocate funds to necessities like groceries. The project emphasizes social and economic development, offering incentives such as free baseline consumption and reduced electricity charges to households hosting CEB’s solar modules. Excess generated electricity is injected into the grid.

The initiative is part of a broader commitment by the Mauritius government to harness renewable energy and advance the nation’s socio-economic goals. An outreach program and awareness campaign by CEB have resulted in the successful installation of solar systems for 2,000 households, further promoting the adoption of clean energy.

The collaboration between ADFD and IRENA has supported 26 clean energy projects in 21 countries, spanning Asia, Africa, Latin America, and SIDS. The IRENA/ADFD Project Facility encompasses diverse renewable energy technologies, including wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, and biomass, with an estimated total capacity of 245 MW. These projects aim to meet the energy needs of over 4.5 million households and businesses globally.