Mauritius is accelerating its clean energy transition by opening a tender for solar projects with a combined capacity of 80 MW, including integrated battery storage systems. This initiative represents the country’s first major solar tender since 2020 and signals a renewed push towards its ambitious renewable energy targets.
Details of Mauritius solar tenders
The Central Electricity Board (CEB) of Mauritius is spearheading this initiative, launching a formal tender for the development of new photovoltaic (PV) projects across the island. This move is a cornerstone of the nation’s strategy to increase its renewable energy capacity and significantly reduce its long-standing reliance on fossil fuels. This coordinated push involves multiple agencies, including the Ministry of Energy and the Utility Regulatory Authority, all working to expand the country’s solar energy capacity.
The tender is strategically divided into two lots to encourage participation from developers of varying scales:
* Lot 1: Encompasses solar projects with individual capacities of up to 5 MW, targeting a total of 30 MW.
* Lot 2: Seeks proposals for larger solar projects with capacities of up to 10 MW each, for a total of 50 MW.
The deadline for submitting bids is October 17, 2025. Interested parties can find official documentation on the Government of Mauritius e-Procurement System and the CEB’s procurement portal.
Cost and Technical Specifications
To ensure commitment, bidders are required to provide a bid security of $1,000 per MW. The CEB plans to notify successful bidders of their selection by October 31, 2025. This efficient timeline is designed to facilitate a rapid start to construction, ensuring the projects become operational as quickly as possible.
A critical component of the tender is the technical specifications, which mandate that all projects be equipped with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The capacity of these storage systems must be at least 25% of the project’s installed capacity, with a minimum discharge duration of two hours. Understanding the basics of solar panel manufacturing is key for developers to meet these stringent technical requirements.
This BESS requirement is vital for an island nation. It ensures that the solar projects can provide reliable, dispatchable power even after sunset or during cloudy periods. Furthermore, these storage systems will play a crucial role in stabilizing the national grid and reducing the need for expensive and polluting fossil fuel backup generators.
Mauritius Advancing Towards Renewable Energy Goals
Mauritius has set a powerful national objective to achieve 60% renewable energy in its electricity mix by 2030. This 80 MW tender is a significant leap forward in this journey. It’s not an isolated effort but part of a broader, well-funded national strategy outlined in the Mauritius 2025 budget, which includes substantial financial support for grid-scale BESS and innovative floating solar plants.
The projects awarded through this tender will also create green jobs and stimulate local economic growth. The construction and operation phases will provide valuable employment opportunities, while the increased share of clean energy will help lower energy costs for businesses and consumers. A deeper understanding of the solar panel manufacturing plant cost breakdown reveals the significant investment and economic activity these projects can generate.
The government’s comprehensive plan for Mauritius solar expansion is multifaceted, identifying key investment areas in solar, wind, and biomass. Beyond large-scale tenders, the initiative extends to public infrastructure, with recent bids for installing solar systems at six national health facilities.
The solar tender launched by Mauritius is a clear indicator of the country’s commitment to a sustainable future. The projects developed will not only increase the share of renewable energy and reduce fossil fuel dependency but will also build a more resilient and prosperous economy for the island nation.
To gain a deeper understanding of how large-scale solar projects are developed from concept to reality, explore our free e-course on solar panel manufacturing.
