CEB Launches Wind-Battery Hybrid Tender to Power Mauritius's Green Shift

Could wind energy become the next major pillar of Mauritius's clean energy future? The Central Electricity Board (CEB) — the state-owned utility that manages electricity generation and distribution across the island — has launched an international tender to purchase electricity from a new hybrid installation combining wind turbines and battery storage, with a capacity of between 15 and 20 megawatts (MW). The project marks a significant step in Mauritius's push to diversify beyond solar power, which has already become a prominent part of the national energy mix. Wind energy, which has seen limited development on the island compared to solar, is now being brought firmly back into the country's renewable energy ambitions. **Plaine-des-Roches in the frame** The northeastern coastal area of Plaine-des-Roches has been identified as a key potential site for the project. A site visit for prospective bidders is scheduled for 28 October, following a briefing meeting on the same day. The area is known for its consistent wind conditions, making it a natural candidate for wind energy development. **Why batteries matter** The project is not simply about installing wind turbines. It will also incorporate a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) — technology that stores surplus electricity generated during windy periods and releases it when demand rises or wind speeds drop. This is a critical feature: wind power is inherently variable, and without storage, its integration into a national grid can be technically challenging. The BESS component is designed to smooth out those fluctuations and make wind-generated electricity more reliable and grid-friendly. **Part of a broader clean energy strategy** This wind-and-battery initiative sits within a wider renewable energy diversification plan being pursued by the Mauritian government and CEB. Other elements of that strategy include floating solar installations on reservoirs, rooftop solar panels on residential and commercial buildings, and other storage-based solutions. Together, these projects are aimed at reducing the country's heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels — particularly coal and oil — which have long dominated electricity generation in Mauritius. **What this means** For Mauritius, which imports virtually all of its conventional fuel, expanding renewable capacity has both environmental and economic implications. Greater wind and solar generation reduces the foreign currency spent on fuel imports and provides a hedge against volatile global energy prices. A successful 15–20 MW wind-battery project would add meaningful capacity to the national grid and could serve as a blueprint for larger installations in the future. For businesses and households, a more diversified energy mix should, over time, support greater price stability and energy security. The CEB tender is open to international bidders, reflecting the government's intent to attract global expertise and investment in this sector. Source: ION News