CMS Expert Guide to Agrivoltaics and Floating Photovoltaics in Mauritius

In line with the Mauritius Renewable Energy Roadmap 2030 (launched by the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities in 2019), the Central Electricity Board (CEB), together with the key stakeholders, has introduced the CEB Agrivoltaics Scheme (the “CAV Scheme”) in July 2024.

The concept of solar energy within agricultural land is relatively new in the country. While there is no specific and explicit legislation regarding agrivoltaics, the CAV Scheme falls under the regulatory and supervisory framework of the CEB. The CAV Scheme provides an initial structured environment and guidelines for the promotion and implementation of agrivoltaics.

Under the National Scheme for Emerging Project Concepts Based on Renewable Energy Technologies (NSEPCRET) (set up by the Mauritius Renewable Energy Agency (MARENA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities and the CEB), the SUNfarming Food & Energy Agrisolar Training Centre was inaugurated in August 2023. The plant was established by SUNfarming Group based in Germany. The SUNfarming plant is intended to be used as a research and training platform in collaboration with local partners in the field of modern agriculture and solar renewable energy, to prepare for the transition of green energy as well as improve local food security in the country.

Given that the implementation of the CAV Scheme is relatively new, there is currently no other operational large-scale agrivoltaic plants in Mauritius.

Yes. An applicant under the CAV Scheme must be registered with the Utility Regulatory Authority (URA) and apply for a relevant electricity generation license when engaging in electricity generation.

The CEB limits the implementation of agrivoltaics to projects which include a solar renewable energy system of capacity below 500 kWac. The criteria have been outlined for the categories under the CAV Scheme as follows:

Given that CAV Scheme aims to promote dual use of agricultural land for renewable energy production, it is assumed that project developers will require approvals from other ministries.

The information leaflet provided by the CEB on the CAV Scheme states that an applicant must obtain all necessary authorisations, licenses and permits prior to the commissioning of the renewable energy facility have all required to conduct a Strategic Environmental Assessment under the Environment Protection Act 2002. There is currently no regulation to lay down additional or detailed conditions.

Mauritius has significant potential for developing agrivoltaics projects, driven by its abundant solar energy and the need to optimise limited land resources. The Mauritius Renewable Energy Roadmap 2030 already outlines the country’s commitment to achieving 60% renewable energy in its electricity mix by 2030. This roadmap includes significant investments in a growing industry. The government announced its intention to invest heavily in the integration of renewable energy sources. The existing electricity network infrastructure will have to be enhanced to cater for the expansion of renewable energy facilities at a wide scale.

There is no specific financial support programme for agrivoltaics as at date. However, project developers can apply for loans at attractive rates and obtain up to 100% of the investment amount to finance a green project in Mauritius from local banks involved in the SUNREF initiative, in partnership with Business Mauritius and the Agence Française de Développement. Project developers may receive support from other entities such as the Small Farmers Welfare Fund, Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute, and Development Bank of Mauritius Ltd.

Mauritius currently does not have specific regulations for FPV.

Currently there are no operational FPV projects in the country. However, the government has conducted feasibility study on a reservoir in the western region of the country and the implementation is in progress. Once operational, the FPV farm is expected to generate more than 14GWh of electricity annually on the national grid.

There are no regulations and guidelines on FPV. There have been information leaflets published by the CEB and recent renewable energy schemes in relation to solar PV for domestic households and educational institutions. It is expected that the CEB will introduce FPV schemes based on the feasibility study undertaken.

Given the size of the island and its topography, the extent of implementation of FPV projects may be limited.

Currently there is no specific financial support programme for FPV. However, project developers can apply for loans at attractive rates and obtain up to 100% of the investment amount to finance a green project in Mauritius from local banks involved in the SUNREF initiative, in partnership with Business Mauritius and the Agence Française de Développement. Project developers may receive support from other entities such as the Small Farmers Welfare Fund, Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute, and Development Bank of Mauritius Ltd.