The disruption of global supply chains experienced during the Covid period and beyond, led a paradigm shift in the global approach to food and energy security. Mauritius is no exception to this trend and promptly engaged in innovative projects to address these fundamentals.
The first agrivoltaic farm project in Mauritius, which combines electricity generation from solar and food production facilities (bio horticulture and vegetable production supported by drip irrigation) was implemented by SUNfarming in July 2023.
This pilot project has an allocated capacity of 200 kWp and extends over an area of 4500 m2 at Gros Cailloux. It was implemented as part of the Mauritius Renewable Energy Agency
(MARENA) National Scheme for Emerging/Innovative Renewable Energy Technologies (NSEIRET) with the support of the CEB, EDB and the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC).
SUNfarming has invested approximately 15 million rupees for the development of this project, of which 15% was dedicated to the agricultural installation. These modern systems of water collection and drip irrigation system enables over 80% of water savings compared to traditional free-field farming. Cultivation under the Photovoltaic tables include herbs, coriander, leek, parsley, spring onion, tomato, bell peppers and squash. In between the tables, beans, zucchini, tomato and bell peppers.
The plant is essentially a photovoltaic greenhouse, that enables protected farming and dual use of the land. The pilot is also used as a research and training platform in cooperation with local partners. During the installation and commissioning phase of the project, a total of 60 students have been trained from the University of Mauritius and Université des Mascareignes. Moreover, SUNfarming Germany and SUNfarming Africa are working closely with Jülich Research Centre based in Germany to monitor plant growth potential under the panels.
In view of extending the reach of its pilot programme, part of the 200kWp plant has been successfully converted for free range chicken breeding supported by automated drinkers and feeders. The area underneath the tables is used as a shelter for the chicken while the area in between provides for free roaming space. This innovation was done in cooperation with Innodis Poultry Ltd, one of the main poultry producers in Mauritius.
SUNfarming was awarded an additional capacity of 1.1 MWp for extending its agrivoltaic plant under the Marena’s National Scheme for Emerging Project Concepts Based on Renewable Energy Technologies.
Moreover, the Agence Francaise de Development in collaboration with Business Mauritius has successfully concluded a study on agrivoltaics in Mauritius. The findings of the study were presented to public and private stakeholders during the first week of April. A pilot project, in collaboration with FAREI, and the support of MRIC and other private entities is currently being envisaged.
Agri-voltaic addresses the challenge of pressure on land resources for agriculture and electricity generation from solar. The CEB in collaboration with relevant stakeholders is firming up a scheme for agrivoltaics which will enable a broader island-wide deployment. This will pave the way for the emergence of a new breed of young agri-entrepreneur.
Link to video on the plant: https://attachment.sunfarming.de/video/Sun-Farming-Project-480.mp4
The agrisolar plant in Gros Cailloux.
One group of trainees having received their certificate upon completion.
The first phase breeding of 118 free range chickens
