Mauritius has taken a significant step toward strengthening its renewable energy sector by launching a 220-megawatt (MW) renewable energy tender aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on imported fossil fuels. The initiative forms part of the island nation’s broader strategy to increase the share of clean energy in its electricity mix and improve long-term energy security.
The new tender covers 13 locations across Mauritius and combines solar power generation with battery energy storage systems. This integrated approach is expected to provide a more reliable and stable electricity supply by storing excess solar energy for use when sunlight is unavailable. The project has been divided into ten smaller solar installations with a capacity of 10 MW each and three larger projects with a capacity of 40 MW each.
The tender is an important component of Mauritius’ larger renewable energy development pipeline, which totals 405 MW. Through these projects, the government aims to achieve its target of generating 60 percent of the country’s electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030. The transition is expected to reduce carbon emissions while helping the nation become less vulnerable to fluctuations in international oil prices.
A key highlight of the tender is the introduction of a new digital procurement platform called the e-Marketplace. The platform was developed through collaboration between the World Bank and the International Solar Alliance. It has been designed to simplify the bidding process, improve transparency, and create a more efficient framework for renewable energy project procurement.
According to stakeholders, the digital platform will help increase investor confidence by offering greater visibility and accountability throughout the tendering process. This is particularly important for small island developing states, which often face challenges in attracting large-scale renewable energy investments due to financial and structural constraints.
The e-Marketplace is being described as the first integrated digital procurement platform specifically created to address these challenges and support renewable energy development in island economies. By streamlining project procurement and improving access to investment opportunities, the platform is expected to encourage greater participation from private sector developers and financiers.
Government officials believe that the initiative will accelerate the deployment of solar infrastructure across Mauritius while supporting sustainable economic growth. The combination of large-scale renewable energy development, battery storage integration, and digital procurement innovation positions Mauritius as a leading example for other island nations seeking to advance their clean energy ambitions and strengthen energy resilience.
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