Advancing low-carbon transition through the installation of rooftop solar PV systems in Henrietta

This initiative is helping families to reduce their dependence on conventional energy sources, improve their resilience to rising energy costs and contributing to a greener Mauritius.

August 23, 2026
Group of people on a red carpet posing with an oversized check in front of a branded backdrop.

. 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 at Henrietta to mark the installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic systems on 400 apartments at the NSLD Housing Complex, a significant milestone in Mauritius' transition towards sustainable energy. Organised 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 Central Electricity Board (CEB), local authorities and members of the community. 

The UNDP ‘Low Carbon Economy’ Project is implemented by the CEB with financing from the Green Climate Fund, and support from IRENA and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development. 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.