Port Louis: In response to increasing demands for energy and the need to shift towards more sustainable sources, Mauritius has sought technical support and collaboration from India in the energy sector, particularly in renewable energy, as reported by ANI.
The Indian government is anticipated to dispatch a team of leading experts in May to assist the Central Electricity Board (CEB) of Mauritius with energy planning and regulatory development, according to officials from the Mauritian Energy Ministry.
Zeena Guness-Gooljar, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Energy in Mauritius, indicated that the expert visit planned for May will represent a significant initial step following the submission of proposals.
"This visit is a tangible action that will soon come to fruition based on our proposals," she stated, noting that further collaboration in the energy sector is anticipated.
"During our discussions, it was acknowledged that Mauritius is encountering challenges related to energy security. We have been experiencing a surge in power demand, which necessitates support in our planning and generation strategies," she explained.
As of February 2025, Mauritius recorded its highest peak electricity demand at 567.9 megawatts (MW).
"The challenge lies in ensuring we have adequate power to satisfy the country's escalating needs. Power encompasses generation, transmission, distribution, and increasingly, battery storage. We are committed to a green transition and seek the expertise of Indian professionals to evaluate our systems, provide guidance, and share best practices," she added.
Another official from the Mauritian Ministry of Energy confirmed that the outreach to India includes approximately 10-15 proposals, which were submitted through the Mauritian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Indian High Commission.
These proposals encompass technical, financial, and capacity-building support in the energy and water sectors.
Mauritius is seeking India's assistance to pilot and expand renewable energy initiatives. Guness-Gooljar noted, "We face challenges with large utility-scale projects not receiving timely approvals. Therefore, we are considering a two-phase strategy—beginning with a small pilot project at one of our reservoirs and subsequently scaling up."
As part of its national strategy to decrease reliance on fossil fuels and shift towards a low-carbon economy, Mauritius aims to produce 60 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
The island nation is also focused on diversifying its energy portfolio, which includes the integration of green hydrogen.
The Mauritian government has expressed a desire for Indian expertise in the conceptual design and future implementation of offshore hydrogen projects and related vessels in the Indian Ocean. "This is a highly specialized and technical field where India's capabilities can provide substantial support," she remarked.
Over the years, India has played a crucial role in promoting renewable energy projects in Mauritius, highlighting their robust bilateral relationship.
A significant initiative is the 8 MW Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Farm at Henrietta, which was commissioned in November 2023. Developed by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) under India's line of credit, this project is anticipated to reduce approximately 13,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually, in line with Mauritius's sustainable development objectives.
