Energy: The URA awards its first renewable energy licenses

Thus, Alteo Energy Ltd obtained a temporary license for the generation of electricity, while provisional licenses were granted to Green Rock Ltd, Green Yellow (Arsenal) and Le Val Village Photovoltaic Ltd.

Alteo Energy Ltd operates a 41 megawatt (MW) biomass/coal power plant, supplying steam and electricity to its milling operations and to the Central Electricity Board power grid. This power station ensures the transfer of an average of 170 gigawatt hours (GWh) per year to the Central Electricity Board (CEB). More than half of its production comes from renewable energies such as bagasse and waste from sugar cane. Alteo and CEB have entered into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

Val Village Photovoltaic Ltd and the Rose Belle Sugar Estate Board partner with Corexsolar (International) Ltd to operate a 16 MW solar farm in Le-Val. This plant will supply the electricity grid from the CEB Rose-Belle substation. This will strengthen the share of renewable energies (RE) in the energy mix in Mauritius.

For its part, Green Yellow (Arsenal) Ltd wants to increase the share of renewable energies in the country's electricity production thanks to the creation of a 13 MW solar park in Arsenal. This project is part of the government's announced approach to promote sustainable development by using renewable energies for electricity production. The proposed photovoltaic power plant will be connected to the national grid at the Jin Fei substation.

Finally, the company Green Rock Ltd plans to build an 11 MW photovoltaic solar power plant in Petite-Retraite, in support of the strategy announced by the government aimed at reducing dependence on hydrocarbons through the production of electricity from sources of renewable energies. This project will supply electricity to the national grid from the Amaury substation.

Speaking on the occasion, URA Chairman of the Board, Philip Ah-Chuen, highlighted that: "The 2030 Renewable Energy (RE) roadmap for the electricity sector has been reviewed last year, following the government's decision to increase the share of RE in the energy mix to 60% by 2030.”

Continuing, he pointed out that "in accordance with the government's objectives in terms of green energy transition and the gradual withdrawal of the use of coal in the production of electricity by 2030, the Authority reiterates its commitment to fulfilling its mission with regard to government policy and ensuring the sustainability and viability of public services in Mauritius”.

For his part, URA CEO/Director Mbulelo Ncetezo affirmed that the proclamation of the Electricity Act 2005 and the Central Electricity Board (Amendment) Act 2020, as well as the promulgation of the corresponding regulations in June 2022 have undoubtedly facilitated the establishment of this regulatory body. He adds that the URA has launched its electronic licensing platform to allow existing and future operators to transition smoothly into the new regulated environment.

In addition, Mbulelo Ncetezo highlighted that the URA has worked closely with all stakeholders to enable operators to restructure their activities, so as to comply with the laws in force. The operators concerned have registered on the electronic platform to apply for temporary licenses.

“Once the transitional period has elapsed, operators will be able to apply for permanent licenses, while future operators will have to register on our electronic platform to apply for provisional licenses. As soon as these companies are ready to supply electricity to the grid, they will also be able to apply for permanent licenses,” recalled Mr. Ncetezo.

The director of the URA also indicated that his institution is ready to support any initiative aimed at achieving Mauritius' objectives in terms of green energy transition.