Energy Crisis: APEC Advocates Floating Photovoltaics as a Lifeline

The recent announcement of a 55-megawatt deficit in electricity production by the Central Electricity Board (CEB) on October 3rd has sent shockwaves through the Mauritian consumer base. While this figure may seem abstract, it actually reflects a very real situation: the risk of power outages, price increases, and increased pressure on small businesses.

In response to this energy crisis, the Association for the Protection of the Environment and Consumers (APEC) issued a warning through a statement released on Thursday, proposing a concrete solution: floating photovoltaics (FPV). According to APEC President Suttyhudeo Tengur, this technology represents a realistic hope for stabilizing supply while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. "Electricity is not a luxury, but a necessity. Consumers cannot remain exposed to such vulnerabilities," he stressed in a statement published this Wednesday. Unlike traditional solar installations that require vast land areas, floating photovoltaics utilize water reservoirs as support, thereby avoiding additional pressure on agricultural or urban land.

The system offers two major advantages:

• It generates electricity during the day, a time of high demand.
• It shields consumers from the volatility of oil prices, thanks to predictable energy without fuel costs.

An Investment for the Future

Admittedly, FPV may be more expensive to install than ground-mounted solar. However, according to APEC, this additional cost is largely offset in the long term due to better efficiency, reduced water evaporation, and the potential to pair production with storage batteries, ensuring power supply even after sunset. "The extra rupee spent today translates into sustainable savings tomorrow," Mr. Tengur asserts.

APEC is not just making technical recommendations; it is urging the CEB and the government to act swiftly. Among the requests made are:

• Accelerating FPV projects, particularly on the Tamarind Falls and Midlands reservoirs.
• Integrating battery storage into future solar projects.
• Ensuring transparent communication regarding shortages and new energy initiatives.

A Warning Signal Not to Be Ignored

The 55 MW outage on October 3rd is not an isolated incident but a symptom of a system under pressure. For APEC, it serves as an urgent reminder that the country must diversify and modernize its electricity production. "Floating photovoltaics is not a futuristic idea but a necessity. It is time to act to ensure reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity for all Mauritians," concludes APEC.