Seychelles Launches 5.8 MW Floating Solar

Key Figures & Findings: Seychelles has begun construction of its first utility-scale floating solar power plant, a 5.8 MW project in the Providence Lagoon on Mahé Island. Known as the Seysun Lagoon Floating PV project, the facility is a flagship initiative in the national renewable energy roadmap and will operate under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Public Utilities Corporation. Commissioning is planned for 2026, when the plant is expected to diversify the energy mix and reduce fossil fuel reliance.

Statistics & Insights: The Seysun Lagoon project is backed by a $5.7 million senior debt facility from the Facility for Energy Inclusion. It is also tied directly to the government’s target of sourcing 15% of national electricity from renewables by 2030. By generating power on water surfaces instead of land, the project addresses land-use constraints that typically hinder small island states.

Future Implications: If successfully implemented, this floating solar plant could serve as a model for other island nations, offering a replicable pathway to clean energy while cutting fuel imports and stabilising costs. Its demonstration in the Indian Ocean may also strengthen investor confidence in floating solar technology across Africa.

Source: ESI Africa

Quick Take: Seychelles breaks ground on 5.8 MW floating solar, a flagship step toward its 2030 renewable goals.