Mauritius has announced plans to add 405 MW of renewable energy and storage capacity to its electrical grid over the next three years as the African nation prepares to mitigate potential energy crisis challenges.

The comprehensive expansion plan, unveiled by Minister of Energy and Public Utilities Patrick Gervais Assirvaden, centers around solar energy projects and aims to strengthen the country's energy resilience in the face of growing global infrastructure challenges.

Solar Energy Projects at the Core

Solar projects form the backbone of the 405 MW expansion plan. A key component includes a floating solar photovoltaic farm with 17.5 MW to 20 MW capacity at the Tamarind Falls Reservoir. This project will be constructed under a Government-to-Government agreement in partnership with the Indian state-owned utility National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC).

The Tamarind Falls project has been in development for several years. In October 2023, the Central Electricity Board (CEB) sought a consultant to prepare a feasibility study for the project, which initially proposed a capacity of 30 MW.

The ministry plans to expand the Agrivoltaics Scheme, enabling planters and livestock farmers to combine agricultural activities with solar energy generation. The program previously received 39 applications, with 18 projects receiving approval.

Distributed Energy and Residential Solar Initiatives

The expansion plan includes significant distributed energy generation components. The government plans to install 100,000 solar kits for households with support from the Indian government. Additionally, the plan calls for liberalizing residential solar systems under 10 kW capacity.

A Carbon Neutral Scheme for the commercial sector will facilitate the installation of 20 MW of rooftop solar and solar carparks for shopping malls and large enterprises. The ministry also plans to launch a national sensitization campaign to promote responsible electricity consumption and raise awareness about renewable energy.

Battery Storage and Grid Stability Focus

Battery storage receives priority in the expansion plan as the Energy Ministry takes steps to utilize all generated power to improve grid stability. Hybrid solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects will deliver close to 120 MW of photovoltaic capacity and 100 MW of storage capacity.

An additional 20 MW of battery storage capacity will be installed to meet peak evening demand between 18:00 and 21:00 by July 2026. Minister Assirvaden emphasized that only projects incorporating BESS will be prioritized to ensure there is no wastage of electricity, with regulatory amendments planned to support this approach.

Wind Energy and Private Sector Involvement

The plan includes expanding an existing wind farm by adding another 15 MW to 20 MW of capacity. The government plans to further open the electricity sector to private companies and investors to accelerate renewable energy deployment. Under the Stor'Sun initiative, three private sector hybrid renewable energy projects with a total capacity of 30 MW are expected to be implemented by September 2026.

Energy Crisis Response

These measures are part of the government's response to an ongoing energy crisis that has intensified amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. In March 2026, Mauritius sought to procure Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) from India after the Strait of Hormuz closed due to the Middle East crisis and rising oil prices. However, India does not have the type of HFO that the CEB of Mauritius requires to run its power plants, raising fears of potential electricity shortages in the coming days.

Renewable Energy Targets and Current Status

Minister Assirvaden stated that the 405 MW plan will enhance grid stability, facilitate the integration of renewable energy, and ensure a resilient and sustainable future for the country. By 2020, renewable energy accounted for 23.9% of Mauritius' power mix.

The country targets scaling this up to 60% by 2035. As of the end of 2025, Mauritius' total installed renewable energy capacity was 318 MW, including 155 MW of solar photovoltaic capacity, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The new 405 MW expansion represents a significant increase to the existing renewable energy infrastructure.

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