French renewable power developer Qair has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Seychelles authorities for the construction of a floating solar power plant in the country. The 5.8 MWp future renewable energy system is the first floating solar project in Seychelles.
The agreement for the floating solar plant was signed between Seychelles’ Public Utilities Corporation (PUC) and Qair, abroad the renewable energy and hydrogen powered-vessel Energy Observer. The vessel is an experimental project, serving as a laboratory for finding innovative and successful solutions in favor of energy transition.
Under the agreement, the French renewable power producer will develop, build, and operate the 5.8 MWp floating solar plant on the Providence lagoon, near Mahé, island, to supply renewable energy to the national grid. According to Qair, the construction of the solar PV plant is scheduled to start in the final quarter of 2023.
The Providence solar project underscores Seychelles’ commitment to sustainability and its measures for combating climate change. PUC, the public corporation that provides electricity, water, and sanitation services in Seychelles, affirms the floating solar plant as a key part of the country’s energy transition.
The historic signing concludes the negotiations that began in November 2019 when Qair was selected by the Seychelles authorities for the construction of the island country’s first floating solar PV plant. The detail on the price per kWh of electricity is not given in the agreement, however, when the contract was awarded to Qair, the PUC planned to negotiate the price per kWh at 9.5 cents.
According to Olivier Gaering, Qair’s Indian Ocean Regional Manager, the Providence solar project is a game changer for Seychelles which will provide a reliable source of renewable energy and contribute to the country’s sustainable development. said. The solar PV project will not only contribute to the country’s energy transition but will also create local job opportunities and stimulate economic growth.
The floating solar project is supported by the financial provider African Development Bank (AfDB) under its African Legal Support Facility (ALSF). It has also received monetary support from the Clinton Foundation, Multiconsult Norge, and Trinity International in its development phase.
