The Central Electricity Board (CEB) in Mauritius has launched its Agrivoltaics project to boost agriculture and promote sustainability. By installing solar panels above agricultural fields, this initiative aims to combine renewable energy generation with farming, enhancing both food and energy security. As agrivoltaics grows worldwide, including in Asia and Europe, the CEB is committed to aligning Mauritius with these global trends.
Exploring Agrivoltaics: A New Approach to Sustainability
Agrivoltaics involves installing solar panels above agricultural fields to produce electricity while allowing crops to grow beneath. This innovative approach not only generates clean energy but also provides shade for crops, potentially enhancing yield. It represents a promising solution that supports sustainable development by balancing the needs of agriculture and renewable energy production.
Upcoming Workshop and Stakeholder Involvement
An important workshop is scheduled for September 5 to discuss the multiple advantages of the CEB Agrivoltaics Scheme, address potential challenges, and outline how stakeholders can actively contribute. Initially, the CEB will consider applications from developers in the agricultural sector. These applicants must provide proof of registration or recognition by a relevant public authority.
Program Details and Capacity Allocation
In the initial phase, the program reserves a total capacity of 20 megawatts for Mauritius and 1 megawatt for Rodrigues. Each approved solar installation under the program must have a capacity below 500 kilowatts AC (500 kW AC). This approach ensures that smaller, manageable projects are prioritized, encouraging more widespread adoption of agrivoltaics across the island.
Incentives for Developers: A Push Towards a Greener Future
To motivate developers and help achieve the dual goals of food and energy security, CEB offers a special export tariff of 5.00 rupees per kWh for eligible projects. This financial incentive aims to attract innovative projects that contribute to the nation’s renewable energy targets. Interested developers are encouraged to explore the program details on the CEB website: CEB Website.
A Vision for a Sustainable Mauritius
The CEB highlights the transformative impact of agrivoltaics on Mauritius’s energy landscape. “By fully leveraging the potential of agrivoltaics, we aim to reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels, mitigate climate change effects, and ensure a greener, more prosperous future for all Mauritians,” states the CEB. Installing solar panels above agricultural fields allows Mauritius to generate substantial renewable energy, diversify its energy mix, and enhance national energy security.
Conclusion
The CEB Agrivoltaics project is a forward-looking initiative that addresses critical environmental and economic challenges. By integrating solar energy production with traditional farming, this program not only promotes sustainability but also supports the agricultural sector in adapting to modern energy needs. As Mauritius continues to embrace agrivoltaics, it sets a powerful example of how innovation can drive both energy independence and food security.
