- The French renewable power producer will develop, build, and operate the 5.8 MWp floating solar plant on the Providence lagoon.
- The solar PV plant construction is scheduled to start in the final quarter of 2023.
French renewable power developer Qair has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Seychelles authorities to construct 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.
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 critical part of the country’s energy transition.
According to Olivier Gaering, Qair’s Indian Ocean Regional Manager, the Providence solar project is a game changer for Seychelles, providing a reliable source of renewable energy and contributing to the country’s sustainable development. The solar PV project will contribute to the country’s energy transition, create local job opportunities, and stimulate economic growth. The financial provider African Development Bank (AfDB) supports the floating solar project 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.