Mauritius continues to gain headway in its bid to mould itself as a sustainable island. In April 2020, the country’s Agricultural Marketing Board announced that it is inviting bids for the construction of a solar PV plant in this agency’s land in the Moka District. This is but one of the recent government initiatives to promote sustainable living in Mauritius.

A 16 MW grid-tied solar power plant costing US$23 million was inaugurated in Mauritius in February 2019. This plant is located on a 33-hectare parcel in Solitude near Port Louis, and its power output adds to the 83 MW of solar generation capacity already installed in Mauritius as of end-2018. Eventually, the country hopes to increase its use of renewable energy sources from the current level of about 22 percent to 35 percent by 2025.

Six solar farms are now operational in Mauritius, and four additional plants will be built in the future. Sugarcane waste or bagasse is another key green power source which provides 16 percent of the country’s renewable energy. Hydro, wind, and landfill gas are also part of the energy production mix in Mauritius. Overall, the country has 877 MW of power generation facilities, with 498 MW operated under the state-owned Central Electricity Board.

Sustainable island master plan

Mauritius’s efforts to tap alternative energy sources and cut dependence on coal and oil in power generation are rooted in the plan, Maurice Ile Durable (MID). Approved in 2013, this plan revolves around five pillars: Energy, Environment, Employment / Economics, Education and Equity.

Initially, 130 projects and initiatives have been prioritised in four MID programmes: Energy Conservation and Renewables; Cleaner, Greener and Pollution-free Mauritius; Green Economy; and Ocean Economy. Government funding of 720 million MUR has been set for these projects, with the private contribute 5 billion MUR.

Landmark bank building

Besides its proliferating solar power plants, the most conspicuous landmark for sustainable living in Mauritius is the building of the Mauritius Commercial Bank in St Jean. The architectural design of the bank’s building more than flaunts an ecological theme. It is also the first energy-efficient building in Mauritius, featuring a thermal storage system and sensor-controlled lamps to help cut power use.

 This bank building is also a model for water conservation, with its rainwater collection and recycling system. The flooring and furniture in the bank are likewise made of recycled materials to further exemplify the dictum.

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