French independent power producer Qair has secured debt financing for its landmark “Stor’Sun” project in Mauritius, marking the country’s largest energy sector investment in more than a decade. The hybrid project will combine 60 MWac of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity with a large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS), reinforcing the island nation’s push toward clean and reliable power.
The total financing package is valued at around $150 million (approximately MUR 7 billion). Funding was arranged through major local financial institutions, reflecting strong domestic confidence in renewable infrastructure. SBM Bank (Mauritius) is supporting the Stor’Sun I, II, and IV plants, while MCB Group is backing the Stor’Sun III facility. The partnership demonstrates a collaborative approach between developers and Mauritian banks to advance large-scale clean energy projects.
A key feature of the Stor’Sun portfolio is its 256 MWh battery storage capacity. By pairing solar generation with storage, the project addresses the challenge of intermittency, which often limits solar power’s reliability. The batteries will store surplus electricity generated during daylight hours and discharge it for at least 12 hours per day, particularly during evening peak demand. This load-shifting capability will help reduce Mauritius’ dependence on imported fossil fuels such as coal and oil, lowering both fuel costs and carbon emissions.
Once operational, the four plants—located at Trou d’Eau Douce, Balaclava, and Petite-Rivière—are expected to meet around 8% of the country’s total electricity demand. The facilities will also use advanced grid-forming inverter technology, enabling them to provide critical grid stabilization services in addition to supplying power. This will strengthen system reliability and support the integration of more renewable energy into the national grid.
Qair has been active in Mauritius since 2008, operating a 10 MW wind farm and 25.3 MW of solar capacity. The Stor’Sun development aligns with the government’s renewable energy roadmap, which targets 60% renewable energy in the electricity mix by 2030. Industry observers say the project could serve as a model for island and African nations seeking firm, low-carbon energy solutions.
