LocationsThis initiative is helping families to reduce their dependence on conventional energy sources amidst a backdrop of rising energy costs and contribute to a greener and cleaner Mauritius.
Advancing low-carbon transition through the deployment of 400 rooftop residential solar PV systems in Henrietta
August 23, 2026
. Certificates of recognition were presented to participating households, celebrating their involvement in the initiative and their contribution to Mauritius’ transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy.
UNDP Mauritius / Sharon Sunassee
A community event was held on Saturday 22 August 2026 at Henrietta to mark the installation of 400 solar photovoltaic kits on the rooftops of 400 units of the Henrietta NSLD Housing Complex, under phase IIB of the Central Electricity Bpard's Home Solar Project Scheme. Hosted under Component 2 of the UNDP-GCF ‘Low Carbon Economy’ Project, the event brought together Honourable Patrick Assirvaden, Minister of Energy and Public Utilities, Ms. Alka Bhatia, UNDP Resident Representative, representatives of the CEB, local authorities and members of the community.
The UNDP ‘Low Carbon Economy’ Project is implemented by the Government of Mauritius with financing from the Green Climate Fund, and support from UNDP. It aims at accelerating renewable energy deployment and supporting Mauritius' transition towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient future. This is part of a broad national strategy to reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels and to enhance energy security. In this context, the project is supporting the development of 25 MW rooftop solar PV capacity across households, civil society organizations, religions institutions, public entities and educational institutions. This will enable families to reduce dependence on conventional energy sources, improve resilience to rising energy costs and contribute to a greener Mauritius.
The event also featured an award ceremony recognising the participation and contribution of beneficiaries under the programme. Certificates of recognition were presented to participating households, celebrating their involvement in the initiative and their contribution to Mauritius’ transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy.
A Shared Commitment to Clean Energy
In his speech, Mr Sunjay Summun, Acting General Manager of the CEB, highlighted the importance of strong partnerships in advancing the energy transition: “This initiative would not have been possible without the support of several partners. This collaboration demonstrates something very important: when national institutions and international partners work together, we can transform public policies into tangible benefits for the population.”
While addressing the audience, Ms. Alka Bhatia, UNDP Resident Represent Representative, underscored the role of communities in Mauritius’ renewable energy transition: “By adopting the use of renewable energy, you are helping to build a cleaner and more sustainable future for Mauritius. You are proving that every household can play a role in the fight against climate change and to protect our environment for the generations to come.”
In his keynote address, Hon. Patrick Assirvaden, Minister of Energy and Public Utilities highlighted the scale of Mauritius’ renewable energy ambitions: “To achieve our goal of using renewables to supply 60 percent of the country’s energy needs by 2035, we need to speed things up. We currently have 12,000 homes equipped with solar panels, and over the next 5 to 6 years, we must reach at least 80,000.” He also acknowledged UNDP’s support under the project, amounting to almost USD 30 million to further the transition towards a low carbon economy in the country.
The Alt. Project Director Mr. Iqbal Dreepaul, Senior Analyst at the CEB, also commented a live feed from a drone flying over Henrietta NSLD Housing Complex, a highlight moment during Saturday’s event. He described the region as an emerging focal point for a mix of renewable energy technologies such as conventional solar PV, floating solar PV and storage.
The Way Forward
The GCF project aims to equip a total of 5,500 households with a solar PV kit. As of date, some 4,500 PV systems have been commissioned and are not only producing clean energy for the houses on which they have been deployed but also helping those families alleviate their household expenses by reducing their monthly electricity charges. The Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities and the CEB, in collaboration with the UNDP and other stakeholders, aim to hold similar such community events across other regions of Mauritius as well as on outer island of Rodrigues to showcase the achievements under the GCF project and to encourage country-wide participation in the crucial green shift.