Press Releases

U.S. Government Grant Promotes Energy Efficiency in Mauritius

May 14, 2009

The U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Renewable Energy and Public Utilities Dr. Rashid Beebeejaun signed a Grant Agreement today whereby the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) will provide $325,000 (approximately Rs 11 million) to the Central Electricity Board (CEB) to support the Government of Mauritius’ efforts to improve the efficiency of the country’s power transmission and distribution grid.

As the Mauritian economy continues to grow, spurred on by tourism and a strong financial services sector, its demand for energy is consequently on the rise.  With an annual national production capacity of 2.35 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) and a yearly consumption of 2.07 billion kWh, the Mauritian power grid is currently operating at the edge of its capacity.  As a result, the CEB is seeking independent power producers to supplement existing power generation capacity, and is placing a strong emphasis on upgrading its distribution grid and minimizing transmission loss. 

The USTDA grant will fund a thorough analysis of the existing transmission system and determine the feasibility of implementing a software monitoring and control system to manage CEB’s electricity transmission infrastructure and transformer network.  The proposed system will allow CEB engineers to collect and analyze real-time data on the state of the grid, give them the ability to make prompt adjustments, and identify equipment in need of repair or replacement to maintain optimal efficiency at all times.

The aim of USTDA is to promote economic development and U.S. commercial interests in developing and middle-income countries.  The agency funds various forms of technical assistance, early investment analysis, training, orientation visits and business workshops that support the development of a modern infrastructure and a fair and open trading environment.  USTDA’s strategic use of foreign assistance funds to support sound investment policy and decision-making in host countries is fundamental for a healthy trade and investment environment and sustainable economic development.