The government of Mauritius has announced plans to add 405 megawatts (MW) of new electricity generation capacity to the national grid over the next three years, as part of efforts to address supply constraints and expand renewable energy use.
The nation’s Energy Minister, Patrick Gervais Assirvaden, made the disclosure on Monday during a press conference in Port Louis, the country’s capital.
He noted that a pipeline of solar, wind, and battery storage projects had been identified in collaboration with key energy agencies.
According to the minister, the projects were developed in consultation with the Central Electricity Board, the Mauritius Renewable Energy Agency, and the Energy Efficiency Management Office.
Assirvaden said the planned capacity additions will come from a combination of renewable energy and hybrid systems, with a strong focus on solar power supported by storage.
The pipeline includes 120 MW from solar photovoltaic systems and another 100 MW from hybrid renewable facilities designed to store solar energy.
A floating solar project with a capacity of between 17.5 MW and 20 MW is also expected at Tamarind Falls Reservoir, under a partnership with India’s National Thermal Power Corporation.
Meanwhile, the government is also planning to expand wind generation by adding between 15 MW and 20 MW at Plaine des Roches.
Other initiatives include a 20 MW carbon-neutral programme targeting commercial rooftops and parking areas, as well as three privately backed hybrid projects under the Stor’Sun programme with a combined capacity of 30 MW.
What they are saying
The Minister noted that battery storage will play a central role in the expansion drive, particularly in managing peak electricity demand.
A 20 MW battery storage system is scheduled to become operational in July, targeting peak consumption hours between 18:00 and 21:00.
“Only projects incorporating battery storage will be prioritised, adding that the approach is aimed at strengthening grid stability as more renewable energy is integrated into the system,” Assirvaden said.
The government also plans to allow households to install home solar systems with a capacity of up to 10 kW and is working with India to procure 100,000 home solar kits in order to support wider adoption of the systems
Grid capacity constraints persist
The announcement comes amid ongoing pressure on Mauritius’ electricity system, where supply margins have tightened in recent months.
The government had previously warned that limited reserve capacity and technical disruptions could affect electricity availability during peak periods, prompting calls for energy conservation.
The country’s grid operates as an isolated system, meaning it cannot import electricity from neighbouring countries during shortfalls.
As a result, supply disruptions, whether equipment faults or maintenance have in the past required load adjustments and demand management.
Assirvaden said the new capacity additions are intended to stabilise supply while supporting a gradual shift in the energy mix.
“The expansion drive is central to government’s strategy to stabilise supply, accelerate the shift to renewable energy and reduce pressure on households and businesses,” he said.
The way forward
Alongside new generation projects, the government is also introducing measures aimed at reducing electricity consumption and improving efficiency.
Assirvaden disclosed that regulatory changes are being considered to curb electricity wastage, while a national sensitisation campaign on responsible energy use is expected to be launched.
The minister added that the combined initiatives are expected to improve grid performance and support the integration of variable renewable energy sources over time.
Mauritius has historically relied on imported fossil fuels for a significant share of its electricity generation, exposing the system to global price volatility and supply risks.
The Central Electricity Board remains the main operator of Mauritius’ electricity grid, overseeing generation, transmission, and distribution across the island.
Renewable energy projects in the country have increasingly focused on hybrid models that combine generation with storage, as authorities seek to address intermittency challenges linked to solar and wind power.
The inclusion of battery storage in new projects reflects a broader shift in energy planning, where managing peak demand and maintaining grid balance are becoming key considerations alongside capacity expansion.
