The Central Electricity Board of Mauritius (CEB) has issued a request for proposal (RFP) for the purchase of power from small-scale renewable energy hybrid facilities. Winning bidders are required to set-up solar-storage hybrid systems with electricity generation capacity of between 10MW to 30 MW.

The renewable energy procurement exercise by CEB is in line with the country’s objectives to increase the share of renewables in the country’s power generation mix to 35% by 2025, and 60% by 2030. 

According to CEB, it intends to accommodate at least 100 MW renewable energy capacity from this procurement exercise. Developers can submit bids for one or more hybrid renewable energy systems.

“Bids will be opened on Wednesday 22 June 2022 as from 13.45 hours (Mauritian time) in the Conference Room of the Central Electricity Board office, 3rd Floor, New Building,  Royal Road, Curepipe, Republic of Mauritius in the presence of bidder/bidders’ representatives who choose to attend,” said CEB in a statement. 

Winning bidders will sign a 20-year energy supply and purchase agreement (ESPA) with CEB. A benchmark tariff of MUR4.50 (~$0.10)/kWh has been set for purchasing power from the proposed renewable energy hybrid facilities.

The solar-storage hybrid system systems are set to help increase Mauritius’ solar generation capacity and diversify its energy mix. The Indian Ocean island country had an installed solar generation capacity of 83MW as of the end of 2020, according to figures from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). 

Mauritius is also implementing net metering programmes, and offering rebates to help increase the penetration of solar energy in the country.