Midlands Dam: The Mini Hydroelectric Power Plant In Operation

Built at a cost of Rs 60 million, this station will generate approximately one million units of electricity annually, or 1% of the country's hydroelectric. The plant is located just after the water discharge towards the Nicolière. The project includes the installation of the hydraulic turbine and accessories next to the water line from the Midlands Dam to the Nicolière. The water collected to operate the turbine is then routed to the tank Nicolière. The energy produced is injected into the network of the Central Electricity Board.

The license of the Environment Impact Assessment was granted in March 2010 by CEB and the construction of the hydroelectric power station started in December of the same year. The contract for the implementation of the project has been allocated to Energo Exemont. The construction of this station is in line with the Maurice Ile Durable concept, which aims to increase self-reliance on energy sources in order to protect the environment.

Mauritius currently has nine hydroelectric - Magenta, Champagne, Le Val, Réduit, La Ferme, Cascade Cécile, Ferney, Tamarind Falls and La Nicolière. Production capacity for all nine stations is approximately 55.8 MW. They produce 100 GWh of electrical energy annually, which represents 4% of the country's electricity.

According to the Integrated Electricity Plan 2013-2022, the hydro potential has almost reached its limit. The CEB has already embarked on a project to increase the capacity of water storage dam at Sans Souci by 30%. Phase 1 of the project, which includes the expansion of the dam from 240 meters to 243 meters, will be completed in 2014. In addition, the CEB has recently initiated a project to identify potential sites for the installation of mini and micro power plants. The study will be completed in 2013.