Cooperative Renewable Energy: First Solar Farm in Balaclava

If project will be approved by the Central Electricity Board (CEB), it might to begin in February. The cooperative of small farmers in the northern region will be the first to embark on such a project, overseen by the Centre for Alternative Research and Studies (CARES).

The identified land to accommodate the solar farm is the Jugdish Seebaruth, a former planter member of the cooperative. "We are ready to move forward. we expect the green light from the authorities, " says Jugdish Seebaruth. " Experts have examined the ground where the project should be created. Mauritius holds a huge potential and we want to exploit, " he said.

Photovoltaic panels will be installed on two acres of land that are no longer cultivated. "Manyfarmers have land that are more profitable and it is a way to monetize, even if it is not by culture, "says Jugdish Seebaruth.

The investment required. Approximately Rs 25 million "We believe that farmers are likely to want to participate in this project and that the initiative is feasible " , says the former planter. Moreover, farmers have opened the cooperative to others who wish to contribute and receive benefits once the energy will be sold to the CEB.