LocationsThe GEF-funded and UNDP-supported initiative will significantly contribute to national climate mitigation efforts.
Mauritius launches 5-year project to advance mandatory energy auditing and energy efficiency
March 9, 2026
Stephane Bellerose/UNDP Mauritius and Seychelles
The Project Signature Ceremony for the GEF‑funded project “Realising Energy Savings and Climate Benefits through Implementing Mandatory Energy Auditing in the Republic of Mauritius” was held on Monday 9 March, in Port Louis, in the presence of representatives from the public sector, private sector, technical professionals, financial institutions and the media.
The five‑year project (2026–2031) will be implemented by the Energy Efficiency Management Unit (EEMO) under the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities, with financial support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and technical & oversight support from UNDP. The initiative aims to assist the Government of Mauritius in operationalizing the national energy audit scheme by addressing technical, institutional and financial barriers that have so far constrained the effective implementation of mandatory energy efficiency measures.
The project is closely aligned with Mauritius’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and directly supports the national target of increasing overall energy efficiency by 10 percent by 2035, compared to the 2019 baseline. Over the lifetime of the measures implemented, it is expected that more than one million tonnes of direct avoided CO2eq emissions, making a significant contribution to national climate mitigation efforts.
Ms Alka Bhatia, Resident Representative of United Nations Development Programme in Mauritius and Seychelles, underscored the importance of energy efficiency in accelerating Mauritius’ energy transition and advancing a sustainable, resilient and inclusive future.
Stephane Bellerose/UNDP Mauritius and Seychelles
Addressing the audience, Ms Alka Bhatia, UNDP Mauritius and Seychelles Resident Representative, highlighted UNDP’s continued commitment to supporting Mauritius in accelerating its energy transition through inclusive and market‑driven solutions.
“Energy efficiency is not only an environmental priority, but also a strategic economic choice. It strengthens energy security, reduces costs for businesses and households, and enhances long‑term resilience. Through this project, Mauritius is not only strengthening compliance with energy efficiency regulations; it is taking another foundational step towards a sustainable, resilient and inclusive future, aligned with Vision 2050 and reaffirming its Nationally Determined Contributions.”
The project is expected to generate wide‑ranging benefits across multiple sectors of the Mauritian economy, including public institutions, the private sector—particularly small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and large energy consumers—as well as technical professionals, service providers and the financial sector. By strengthening capacity and improving access to finance, the initiative seeks to catalyze sustained investments in energy efficiency nationwide.
Honourable Patrick Assirvaden, Minister of Energy and Public Utilities of Mauritius, delivers the keynote address, highlighting Government’s commitment to strengthening energy demand management, advancing renewable energy investments and accelerating the country’s energy transition.
Stephane Bellerose/UNDP Mauritius and Seychelles
"Energy transition is not an option, it is an obligation"
Delivering the keynote address, Honourable Patrick Assirvaden, Minister of Energy and Public Utilities, reaffirmed Government’s commitment to scaling up energy efficiency as a cornerstone of national development.
"Mauritius is entering a new phase in the modernisation of energy demand management. While energy security remains a central pillar of our national strategy, it must go hand in hand with our energy transition ambitions. Energy transition is not an option—it is an obligation for Mauritius, particularly in today’s global context where energy sovereignty is paramount.
The private sector is already investing over Rs 30 billion in renewable energy projects, adding more than 376 megawatts to the national grid. To support this momentum, Government is working towards ensuring that power purchase agreements are bankable, with support mechanisms currently under consideration. We are also committed to accelerating the replacement of charcoal with biomass and progressing towards a more realistic target of 60 per cent renewable energy by 2035."
Honourable Patrick Assirvaden concluded by saying :
"The USD 4.5 million GEF‑UNDP support acts as a powerful accelerator for transformational change in our energy sector and reinforces our national campaign for energy sobriety launched last year.”
Through this initiative, Mauritius takes a decisive step towards strengthening energy governance, reducing emissions, and fostering a more resilient, competitive and sustainable economy.
The ceremony also featured a joint presentation of the project by Mr JL Azie, UNDP Environment Team Leader, and Mr O. Sewtohul, Director, Energy Efficiency, outlining the project’s implementation approach and expected outcomes. It also included the launch of “The guidelines for Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation in the Commercial sector” document.
Stephane Bellerose/UNDP Mauritius and Seychelles