EIA Permit Application: A 7 MW Solar Power Plant Project Submitted in Gros-Cailloux

Gamma Materials Ltd has submitted an EIA permit application for a 7 MW solar power plant in Gros-Cailloux. The project aims to generate renewable electricity and feed it into the grid.

Last week, Gamma Materials Ltd filed an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report with the Ministry of Environment for the construction of a 7 MW solar photovoltaic plant in Gros-Cailloux, located in the western part of the country. This project is part of the Carbon Neutral Industrial Sector (CNIS) Scheme launched by the Central Electricity Board (CEB) and seeks to supply renewable electricity to the national grid.

In the non-technical summary of the report, the developer is described as "a key player in the supply of construction materials in Mauritius," having been involved for several years in initiatives focused on promoting the circular economy and sustainable building materials production. The document specifies that, continuing this approach, the company is now expanding into renewable energy production.

The project involves the construction and operation of a solar photovoltaic farm, categorized as a project requiring an EIA under the Environment Act 2024, specifically for "electricity generation facilities, including their extension and decommissioning, excluding photovoltaic farms of less than 2 megawatts." The report states that the study was conducted by "a group of environmental specialists and engineers with extensive experience in their respective fields," and has been prepared in accordance with the guidelines of the Department of Environment.

The selected site is located in Gros-Cailloux, on a plot owned by Westview Reality Ltd, a sister company of Gamma Materials Ltd. An area of 78,444 m², from a total land of 185 acres, is leased to the developer for the project implementation. According to cited studies, "the Gros-Cailloux region receives sufficient sunlight hours per year for the establishment of a photovoltaic plant," making solar electricity production "highly viable in this area." The proximity of the CEB substation in La Chaumière is also emphasized to facilitate grid connection.

The land is described as a wasteland covered with invasive vegetation, predominantly surrounded by sugarcane fields owned by the Medine group. To the east lies the site of General Construction Co. Ltd, while the Magenta canal runs along the southern boundary. The report specifies that "a consultation meeting was held with the canal syndicate as well as with General Construction Co. Ltd, considering their status as immediate neighbors."

The installation will include 12,012 bifacial monocrystalline solar panels of type N, each with a capacity of 585 W. According to the report, these panels "are equipped with an anti-reflective coating and will therefore have a minimal impact on road traffic and the nearby residential areas." The site will also be fitted with compact substations, switching equipment, and a control room. Water supply will be provided by the Central Water Authority network, with water-saving devices implemented.

Environmentally, the assessment concludes that the project "will not generate significant noise, air, or soil pollution, given its nature and activities." Noise disturbances and dust emissions are deemed temporary and limited to the construction phase. Rainwater will be channeled through drains sized "to handle intense short-duration rains," in accordance with the requirements of the Land Drainage Authority, while "all natural watercourses will be preserved with appropriate setback areas."

Expected solid waste will primarily be domestic and generated from the control room and canteen activities. It will be collected by licensed operators, with recyclable materials directed to recycling channels. Waste related to the maintenance of electrical equipment will be stored in designated areas before being sent to specialized recyclers.