{"id":45350,"date":"2026-02-16T13:31:58","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T09:31:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/?p=45350"},"modified":"2026-02-16T13:31:58","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T09:31:58","slug":"powering-the-future-qair-and-mcb-unite-for-hybrid-solar-project-in-balaclava","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/powering-the-future-qair-and-mcb-unite-for-hybrid-solar-project-in-balaclava\/","title":{"rendered":"Powering the Future: Qair and MCB Unite for Hybrid Solar Project in Balaclava"},"content":{"rendered":"

Renewable Energy<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

As Mauritius accelerates its journey toward a greener, more self-reliant power grid, a significant new milestone has been reached in the North.\u00a0Qair, a global leader in independent renewable energy, and\u00a0the Mauritius Commercial Bank Ltd (MCB)\u00a0have officially signed a financing agreement for\u00a0Stor\u2019Sun III, a cutting-edge hybrid renewable energy project set to redefine the island\u2019s energy landscape.<\/span><\/p>\n

With an investment exceeding\u00a0MUR 380 million, this initiative represents a sophisticated leap forward in national energy security. Located in\u00a0Balaclava, Stor\u2019Sun III is not a typical solar farm; it is an innovative hybrid system that combines a\u00a016.7 MW photovoltaic solar plant\u00a0with a massive\u00a042.5 MW battery energy storage system (BESS).<\/span><\/p>\n

Solving the Intermittency Challenge<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

One of the primary hurdles for renewable energy in island nations is intermittency\u2014the fact that solar power is only generated when the sun shines. Stor\u2019Sun III addresses this directly. By integrating advanced battery storage, the facility can store excess energy captured during the day and discharge it into the national grid for up to\u00a012 hours daily.<\/span><\/p>\n

This capability ensures grid stability during peak demand periods and provides a reliable, clean electricity supply even after sunset. Supported by a\u00a025-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)\u00a0with the Central Electricity Board (CEB), the project guarantees long-term affordability and security for Mauritian households.<\/span><\/p>\n

A Partnership for Decarbonisation<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The collaboration highlights the synergy between technical expertise and financial leadership.\u00a0Olivier Gaering, Indian Ocean Regional Director at Qair, noted that this financing reinforces the momentum built by the previous Stor\u2019Sun I and II projects. He emphasized that the partnership with MCB is vital for accelerating energy independence.<\/span><\/p>\n

For MCB, the project is a cornerstone of their\u00a0“Success Beyond Numbers”\u00a0philosophy and\u00a0Vision 2030\u00a0strategy.\u00a0Aldo Sydonie, Head of Mauritian and Regional Corporates at MCB, stated that supporting such transformative infrastructure is essential for the country\u2019s transition away from fossil fuels.<\/span><\/p>\n

The project has also benefited from the unique involvement of\u00a0Benevolent Solar PV Farms Ltd, a local charitable organisation that provided equal funding and strategic guidance. Construction began in late 2025, and with work progressing steadily,\u00a0commissioning is scheduled for the second half of 2026.<\/span><\/p>\n

The successful launch of Stor\u2019Sun III serves as a definitive blueprint for the region. By merging private sector agility with the financial weight of institutions like MCB, Mauritius is proving that the transition from fossil fuel dependency to a 24\/7 renewable grid is no longer a distant ambition, but a functional reality.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 13 February 2026<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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