Mauritius Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in mauritius, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Energy
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Overview

Mauritius’s energy sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the country’s ambition to reduce its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels and transition toward renewable energy sources. With 90.9 percent of the primary energy requirement sourced from imports in 2024, including petroleum products (61.1 percent) and coal (29.8 percent), the government has set ambitious targets to diversify the energy mix and achieve 60 percent renewable energy in electricity generation by 2030. 

The Central Electricity Board (CEB), a government-owned entity in Mauritius under the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities, established by the CEB Act of 1963, manages the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity across the country. It usually generates around 40 percent of Mauritius’s electricity through its four thermal power stations and ten hydroelectric plants, while the remaining 60 percent is sourced from various Independent Power Producers (IPPs), mainly private generators from the sugarcane industry using bagasse during the sugarcane harvesting season from June to November and imported coal outside of the harvesting season from December to May. In 2024, the IPPs produced 53 percent of the total electricity generated and the CEB produced the remaining 47 percent. In June 2025, the procurement arm of the three IPPs extended its tender for coal to U.S. companies for the first time. Mauritius imports its coal from South Africa.  

In early 2025, it became evident that Mauritius was struggling to meet peak electricity demand during summer months, which runs from December to February. The government announced that it was looking for both stop-gap and long-term solutions such as power barges and other quickly deployable generators running on diesel, oil, and other fuel sources as energy demand was expected to exceed its daily 626 megawatts power generation capacity in the coming months. As a short-term solution the CEB released a tender in June for the use of power barges to boost electricity output by up to 100 megawatts per day as an urgently needed stop-gap measure to address rising demand and its limited capacity.  However, following press scrutiny including the potential environmental impact of power barges, government backed down on this project.  

The 2025-2026 Mauritius budget announced by the new government in June 2025 seeks to accelerate the energy transition with a $662 million (Rs 30 billion) investment in solar energy and biomass projects, aiming to boost renewable energy to over 35 percent of the electricity mix by 2028. Key measures include enhanced financial support for private solar producers, the introduction of a second Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to stabilize the grid, and the renewal of the public transportation fleet with electric buses. These initiatives seek to decrease fossil fuel dependency, support international CO2 reduction pledges, and foster economic growth through green energy.  The Renewable Energy Strategic Plan (RESP) 2025–2030, developed in collaboration with the Mauritius Renewable Energy Agency (MARENA), outlines a comprehensive roadmap to implement these objectives. Key initiatives include the implementation of a National Biomass Framework, a 15 MW floating photovoltaic system at Tamarin Falls, agri-solar and hybrid solar projects, and a wind power farm at Plaine des Roches. The government is also working with international partners like IRENA and the World Bank to refine its renewable energy roadmap and ensure transparency in Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). The plan also includes addressing challenges such as grid strain caused by aging infrastructure. 

The Renewable Energy Investment Facility (REIF) is a pivotal component of the RESP, designed to attract private and international investments through streamlined processes, fiscal incentives, and de-risking mechanisms. The facility will support projects by offering sovereign guarantees, blended finance instruments, and a digital one-stop-shop for permitting and licensing. The Mauritian government considers energy security a top priority, and plans to add 100 MW of capacity by January 2026 to meet growing demand from Smart Cities and economic zones. The RESP also integrates cross-cutting strategies to modernize the grid, expand energy storage, and promote energy efficiency, aligning with international commitments under the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goal 7. 

Key Statistics* per the CareEdge Ratings Africa Report: 

  • Import Dependency:  Mauritius’s energy import dependency reached 90.9 percent in 2024. Imported fuels comprised mainly of petroleum products (61.1 percent) and coal (29.8 percent) made up 90.9 percent (1,467,806 toe) of the total primary energy requirement in 2024. The remaining 9.1 percent (147,066 toe) was from local sources, namely, bagasse, hydro, wind, landfill gas, photovoltaic and fuelwood. In 2023, the mix of imported petroleum products were as follows: fuel oil (44 percent), diesel (21 percent), aviation fuel(16 percent), gasolene (12 percent) and LPG (6 percent). In 2024, $32 million worth of the LPG imported was sourced from the United States via the UAE.
     
  • Energy Consumption:  In 2024, the total primary energy requirement (sum of imported and locally available fuels less re-exports and bunkering after adjusting for stock changes) was 1,614,872 tons of oil equivalent (toe), up by 5.0 percent from 1,537,622 toe in 2023.
     
  • Electricity Generation:  In 2024, electricity generation increased by 4.7 percent from 3,265.5 GWh (280,780 toe) in 2023 to 3,417.6 GWh (293,864 toe), of which 81.8 percent (2,796.6 GWh) was generated from non-renewable sources and 18.2 percent (621.0 GWh) from renewable sources.
     
  • Transport Sector Energy Use:  In 2023, the transport sector which includes land, air and sea transport modes, was the largest end-user of energy (52 percent), followed by the manufacturing sector (20 percent), and households (16 percent).  
    *Source: Statistics Mauritius, January 2025 CareEdge Ratings Report 

Highlights of the Renewable Energy Strategic Plan (RESP) 2025–2030

The RESP outlines a multi-pillar approach to decarbonize and diversify Mauritius’ energy generation. Key highlights include: 

1.    Renewable Energy Expansion: 

  • Scaling up solar, wind, biomass, and waste-to-energy (WtE) projects.
  • Achieving 538 GWh from biomass and 98 GWh from WtE by 2030 through enhanced supply chains and infrastructure development.
  • Expanding rooftop solar adoption with a target of 300,000 systems installed by 2027 and promoting utility-scale solar zones.
  • Developing offshore and ocean energy technologies, including modular Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) and wave energy systems, with a goal of 50 MW installed capacity by 2030. 

2.    Grid Modernization and Energy Storage: 

  • Integrating 500 MW of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) by 2030 to enhance grid flexibility and resilience.
  • Upgrading transmission and distribution infrastructure to support distributed generation and variable renewable energy (VRE) inflow.
  • Deploying smart meters and advanced forecasting tools for efficient energy management. 

3.  Policy and Investment Frameworks: 

  • Establishing a comprehensive Renewable Energy law and operationalizing a Renewable Energy Investment Facility to attract Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and global investors.
  • Offering fiscal incentives, tax breaks, and blended finance mechanisms to de-risk investments.
  • Launching a Renewable Energy Investment Prospectus to provide a pipeline of bankable projects. 
     

4.    Capacity Building and Innovation: 

  •  Establishing green skills and innovation centers to train 500+ workers and integrate renewable energy into academic curricula.
  • Promoting youth entrepreneurship through CleanTech incubators and fostering local manufacturing of renewable energy components. 

Leading Sub-sectors

Renewable Energy Projects: 

  • Photovoltaic cells and technology:  Export and installation of advanced solar PV systems.
  • Solar energy technology for solar water heaters:  Development and supply of solar water heating solutions.
  • Wind turbines:  Supply and installation of wind energy systems.
  • Waste-to-energy plants:  Design and construction of facilities for burning solid waste to generate energy.
  • Bioenergy:  Biomass processing equipment and technologies for bioenergy production.
  • Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) projects:  Development of LNG infrastructure and technologies to support energy diversification. 

Electric Mobility

  • Electric vehicles: Manufacturing and export of EVs, including cars, buses, and related technologies.
  • EV charging infrastructure:  Development of charging stations and associated technologies.
  • Energy efficiency projects for transport:  Solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy consumption in the transport sector. 

Energy Efficiency Solutions 

  • Smart meters and energy-saving technologies:  Supply of advanced metering systems and energy-efficient solutions.
  • Green building design services and equipment:  Expertise in energy-efficient building designs and retrofitting services.
  • Energy audits:  Providing energy efficiency assessments and recommendations for businesses and government facilities. 

Public-Private Partnerships

  • Participation in streamlined permitting processes for renewable energy projects.
  • Collaboration through the Renewable Energy Investment Facility (REIF) to unlock private sector investments.
  • Leveraging de-risking mechanisms such as sovereign guarantees and blended finance instruments.
  • Capacity Building and Training:
  • Expertise in grid management and renewable energy integration.
  • Technical training programs for local engineers and technicians.
  • Innovation and R&D:
  • Development of cutting-edge solutions in ocean energy, such as pumping cold seawater for air conditioning.
  • Research partnerships to advance smart grids and energy efficiency technologies. 
     

Market Opportunities for U.S. Companies 

Renewable Energy Projects

Mauritius is investing heavily in renewable energy infrastructure, including solar PV systems, wind energy, and battery storage. The government has allocated $213 million (Rs 19 billion) for energy self-sufficiency projects over three years (2024-2027), creating opportunities for U.S. companies specializing in renewable energy technologies and project development.                                                                                         

Solar Technology

Much of Mauritius receives almost year-round, intensive sunlight that makes solar photovoltaic (PV) energy an attractive energy option, with a potential average annual solar radiation value of some 6 kWh/m2/day. To achieve the target of 60 percent renewable energy by 2030, MARENA has announced various targets including:  (1) Installation of 300,000 rooftop solar systems by 2027 (2) 150 MW in agro-industrial solar systems by 2028 (3) operationalization of 3 pilot floating solar energy production site by 2028 (4) Deployment of 30 hybrid PV-BESS systems by 2029 (5) launching 3 pilot agri-photovoltaic projects by 2027 (6) Deployment 5 solar-powered desalisation units in water distressed areas by 2030. Current players in the solar energy sector in Mauritius include French company GreenYellow, which operates several solar farms on the island including a 14MWac solar farm at Arsenal and another 16MWac solar farm in Solitude. Their commissioned and upcoming project pipeline aggregates to some 13 solar projects totaling over 37 MWac. French company Qair, has also been a key player in Mauritius since 2008, establishing the country’s first wind energy facility. Qair is investing approximately Rs. 6.7 billion in Mauritius to develop four STOR’SUN hybrid renewable energy projects, integrating photovoltaic panels with battery energy storage systems to provide reliable power to the grid. Construction of Stor’Sun 1 and Stor’Sun 2 began in June 2025, while Stor’Sun 3 and Stor’Sun 4 are set to commence in August and September 2025, respectively. Once operational, these projects will contribute 60 MWac to the grid, increasing renewable energy by 6% and supporting Mauritius’s transition away from coal and diesel-based generation. Local players include Cluny Solar Ltd, IBL Energy, Terragen, Ominicane, SeaBrew Solar Ltd, and Alteo. In April 2025, SeaBrew Solar Ltd has announced plans to establish a 15 MW solar farm in Amaury.

Waste-to-Energy

The waste-to-energy (WTE) sector in Mauritius offers significant opportunities for U.S. companies, driven by the country’s growing waste management challenges and ambitious renewable energy targets. Mauritius generates over 400,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, most of which is sent to the Mare Chicose landfill, now nearing capacity. Additionally, Mauritius is shifting toward a circular economy model, creating demand for technologies that recover energy and materials from waste. Moreover, in 2020, the World Bank published a sugarcane sector review competitiveness analysis that recommended an increase in the share of biomass for power production. The current government’s plan for WtE includes (1) setting up of a 3.45 MW WtE pilot plant by 2027, and two additional plants by 2029, with a target of 15 MW capacity by 2030 (2) development of a sustainable and diversified biomass energy sector capable of generating 538 GW by 2030. This includes developing local hubs with chipping, drying and baling facilities in biomass-rich regions and launching a biomass R&D program. Current players in this subsector include Alteo, Omnicane and Terragen. These local players utilize mainly sugarcane waste (bagasse) for energy production. 
Specific opportunities for U.S. companies include developing large-scale WTE plants, biogas and bioenergy projects, and landfill gas-to-energy systems. U.S. firms with expertise in incineration, gasification, or anaerobic digestion technologies are well-positioned to bid on projects, particularly those involving municipal solid waste and organic waste from industries like agriculture and hospitality. Companies can also supply advanced equipment, such as waste sorting systems, boilers, turbines, and emissions control technologies.

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

Mauritius has explored integrating liquefied natural gas (LNG) into its energy mix to transition to cleaner energy sources and reduce reliance on coal and heavy fuel oil. Efforts began in 2017 with a feasibility study and continued with a 2018 tender for a combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant, which stalled due to financing issues. Discussions with Madagascar in 2019 focused on regional LNG cooperation, and the government announced plans for a regional LNG value chain and partial financing for the CCGT project. In 2021, PricewaterhouseCoopers India completed a feasibility study on Mauritius’ potential as an LNG hub, followed by a 2022 Request for Information (RFI) for barge-mounted LNG power plants. As of September 2025, no further progress has been reported, and the project appears to be shelved. However, more recently in August 2025, the MARENA announced in its strategic plan for 2025-2030 plans to complete a feasibility and environmental impact assessment for LNG deployment and site selection by 2025 and the deployment of  LNG-powered Combine Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) generation, including construction of a CCGT plant and associated LNG infrastructure, with the target of a 1050 GW generation from LNG by 2030.

Mauritius’s renewed focus on integrating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) into its energy mix presents significant opportunities for U.S. companies specializing in LNG technologies and infrastructure. While there is no visibility on actual upcoming tenders, key areas of interest for the future include: 

  • Feasibility Studies and Environmental Impact Assessments:  U.S. firms with expertise in LNG feasibility analysis, environmental assessments, and site selection can support Mauritius in achieving its strategic goals outlined in the 2025-2030 plan.
  • Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) Technology:  U.S. companies can provide advanced CCGT systems, engineering services, and technical expertise for the construction and operation of LNG-powered generation plants.
  • LNG Infrastructure Development:  Opportunities exist for U.S. businesses to design, supply, and install LNG import terminals, storage facilities, and regasification units to support Mauritius’s LNG deployment.
  • Power Barges and Floating LNG Solutions:  With Mauritius exploring barge-mounted LNG power plants, U.S. firms specializing in floating LNG technologies and mobile power generation systems can offer innovative solutions.
  • Regional LNG Hub Development:  U.S. companies can collaborate with Mauritius to establish a regional LNG value chain, leveraging their experience in logistics, supply chain management, and regional energy market integration. Financing and Project Development:  U.S. investors and financial institutions can play a role in addressing financing challenges for LNG projects, offering structured financing solutions and public-private partnership models. 

Electric Mobility

The electrification of the transport sector is a priority, with incentives such as subsidies for electric buses and tax reductions for electric vehicles. U.S. companies can explore opportunities in electric vehicle manufacturing, charging infrastructure, and related technologies. The market for electric cars in Mauritius is slowly but steadily increasing, since 2019, as evidenced by the registration of 1,263 electric cars at the National Land Transport Authority as at October 2024, compared to only 10 in 2016. The energy consumption of the land transport sector has maintained an upward trend, rising by 27 percent from 310.1 Ktoe in 2013 to 393.8 Ktoe in 2023. Indeed, fuelled by higher standards of living, the recent years saw an escalation in the number of vehicles. As at October 31, 2024, 705,103 vehicles were registered by the National Land Transport Authority, and this figure has already surpassed 2023 figures; 676,441. As such, there is a strident call to revamp the transport system in Mauritius, through the promotion of electric vehicles, so as to reduce GHG emissions and pollution from the transport sector. Efforts in that sense have already taken shape, as in the budget 2023/2024, the government had announced the provision of a 30 percent subsidy up to a maximum of Rs 3.5 million on the purchase of electric buses by bus companies. Similarly, the 2025-2026 budget also saw the renewal of the Negative Excise Duty of Rs 200,000 for purchase of electric vehicles up to June 2025, which will further incentivize potential car owners to shift to electric options. 

Battery Storage

Mauritius aims to increase the share of renewable energy sources in its energy mix, which leads to fluctuating power injection. The installation of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) is required to reduce fluctuation from variable renewable energy sources. The Central Electricity Board (CEB) has already installed 40 MW of BESS spread over 6 sub-stations. MARENA’s plan for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) under the Renewable Energy Strategic Plan 2025–2030 focuses on deploying 500 MW of BESS by 2030 through a detailed timeline, technical standards, and integration with grid dispatch systems. The plan includes training 100 technicians by 2026, offering incentives for private sector adoption, and implementing monitoring dashboards for efficiency tracking. It also emphasizes developing business models like leasing and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), with at least two agreements signed by 2028, and supporting Independent Power Producer (IPP)-led installations to ensure stable renewable energy input. Additionally, the strategy integrates BESS with a digitalized grid interface, targeting 100 percent SSDG/MSDG interconnection and 60 percent grid responsiveness to variable renewable energy by 2030, ensuring enhanced grid flexibility, resilience, and energy security. 

The Renewable Energy Strategic Plan 2025–2030 presents opportunities for U.S. companies to engage in Mauritius’s Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) initiatives. U.S. firms specializing in advanced BESS technologies can contribute to the deployment of 500 MW of storage capacity by 2030, including providing technical solutions for grid integration and dispatch systems. Training programs for technicians and engineers offer opportunities for U.S. educational institutions and technology providers to deliver expertise in BESS installation, maintenance, and operations. Additionally, U.S. companies can explore partnerships under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) frameworks and Independent Power Producer (IPP)-led projects, leveraging their experience in energy storage business models like leasing and storage-as-a-service. The plan’s emphasis on monitoring dashboards and digitalized grid interfaces also opens avenues for U.S. firms specializing in smart grid technologies and software solutions. 

Resources 

Below is a list of key resources related to Mauritius’ energy sector. While I cannot provide hyperlinks directly, I can guide you to the official websites or organizations where you can find relevant information. You may need to search for these resources online or visit their official websites for the most accurate and updated information: 

Mauritius Energy Sector Resources 

  • Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities (MEPU) 
    The primary government body responsible for energy policy, regulation, and development in Mauritius. 
    Website:  www.govmu.org (Search for “Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities” under government ministries).
  • CEB 
    The national utility responsible for electricity generation, transmission, and distribution in Mauritius. 
    Website:  www.ceb.mu 
    CEB regularly publishes tenders for energy infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and related services. 
    Website:  www.ceb.mu (Navigate to the “Tenders” section).
  • MARENA 
    A government agency focused on promoting renewable energy development and facilitating the transition to sustainable energy solutions. 
    Website:  www.marena.mu
  • Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC) 
    Supports research and innovation projects, including those related to energy technologies and sustainability. 
    Website:  www.mric.mu
  • Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) 
    Provides insights into private sector involvement in energy projects and renewable energy investments.
  • Statistics Mauritius 
    Offers data and reports on energy production, consumption, and trends in Mauritius. 
    Website:  www.statsmauritius.govmu.org
  • Mauritius Energy Efficiency Management Office (EEMO) 
    Promotes energy efficiency measures and policies across various sectors. 
    Website:  https://eemo.govmu.org/
  • United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Mauritius 
    Supports energy-related projects, including renewable energy and climate resilience initiatives. 
    Website:  www.mu.undp.org
  • Government of Mauritius e-Procurement System 
    The official platform for public procurement in Mauritius, where tenders for energy projects and other sectors are published. 
    Website:  https://eproc.publicprocurement.govmu.org 
     

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