Accelerating the transition to green energy using blue resources

A Validation Workshop on the “Prefeasibility Study on Offshore Wind Energy in Mauritius” was held on 05 October 2023. The full-day workshop was organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities and with the support of the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office for Mauritius and Seychelles.  This study was commissioned by the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities under the on-going Joint SDG Project on Blue and Green Economy in Mauritius and Seychelles.  The workshop was launched by the Honourable Georges Pierre Lesjongard, Minister of Energy and Public Utilities and Ms. Lisa Singh, UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles.

The Republic of Mauritius reviewed and published its Renewable Energy Roadmap 2030 for the Electricity Sector in May 2022.  As per the revised roadmap, ocean renewables have been forecasted to account for 8% of the total energy mix (6 % Offshore Wind and 2 % Wave and Tidal) by 2030.  The target was set considering the setting up of a 50 MW offshore windfarm and a 20 MW wave and tidal power plant.

The Joint SDG Project on Blue and Green Economy in Mauritius and Seychelles supported the Government of Mauritius in assessing the maturity of ocean renewables technology and thus define the scope of the prefeasibility study on offshore wind in Mauritius.  To develop this study, the Danish Technical University (DTU Wind) conducted extensive consultations with stakeholders in the energy, fisheries, shipping, tourism and environment industry from Government, private sector as well as civil society organisations.

This whole-of-society and inclusive approach identified of one site for the implementation of either bottom-fixed or a second one for floating windfarms.  Simulations of wind potential around the coastline of Mauritius further indicated that the site identified for bottom-fixed wind turbines could accommodate windfarm with installed capacity of greater than 50 MW, highlighting scaling up opportunities.

This exercise identified additional studies to be undertaken to mitigate adverse social, economic and environmental impacts of the implementation, commissioning, operation and decommissioning of the offshore windfarms, thus ensuring environmental and social stewardship and leadership.

The Government of Mauritius is now envisaging the development of a conceptual design for an offshore windfarm of up to 100 MW.  This will put Mauritius well on-track to meet its target of 60% Renewable Energy by 2030.  This study paves the way for Mauritius to reinforce its commitment towards the development of a sustainable energy ecosystem in line with SDG 7: Affordable Clean Energy; SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 14: Life under Water.

During that same period, from 04 to 06 October 2023, UNEP, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, Mauritius hosted the regional networking forum.  The forum brought together various stakeholders from the SWITCH Africa Green partner countries and other stakeholders involved in promoting an inclusive green economy and circular economy such as policy makers, business associations, the private sector, financial institutions, regional economic communities, international development organisations and partners, and civil society organisations.