3 sites in the harbour area for the gas storage identified in Mauritius

Deputy prime minister and minister of Energy and Public Utilities, Rashid Beebeejaun on Tuesday visited three sites in the harbour area where liquid petroleum gas as well as other sources of energy could be stocked.

The deputy prime minister, accompanied by technical officers from his ministry and from other ministries, visited Bain des Dames, the former Docker’s Flats and Fort George as part of the government’s project to develop the energy sector.

When cooled at around -160 degree Celcius, petroleum gas turns into a clear, transparent and odourless liquid. It is non-corrosive and non-toxic.

The liquefaction process removes oxygen, carbon dioxide and the sulphurous components of water in the natural gas.

The process transforms it into a mixture consisting mainly of methane and containing small quantities of other hydrocarbons and nitrogen.

In liquid state, the product is 1/600 of its original volume, making it easier to carry over long distances in special tankers.

The three sites identified are vast spaces and are located close to the sea. However, representatives of the sea port, including the president of the port, Maurice Allet, said that the space should be properly planned to welcome a project for the needs of the port.