The government of Seychelles has announced plans to
set up Africa’s first utility-scale independent power producer floating solar
photovoltaic (FPV) project.
The energy project which was launched by the Seychelles Ministry of
Environment, Energy and Climate Change and
the Seychelles Energy Commission, aims to support the country’s transition to
renewable energy.
The floating solar power plant will be located in
Providence lagoon on Mahé Island and will have an estimated capacity between
3.5 – 4 MWAC. The project is being implemented by the
Government of Seychelles and the Public Utilities Corporation with the support
of the African Legal Support Facility and the Clinton Foundation, with Trinity
International LLP and Multiconsult Norge AS serving as the transaction and
tender advisers.
“We at the Clinton Climate Initiative are thrilled
to support this innovative project, which represents a groundbreaking step
forward for island nations and other regions with limited land available for
solar development. Floating solar photovoltaic energy holds immense potential
for islands, and our partners in Seychelles are demonstrating true leadership
in addressing the global climate and energy crisis,” Fiona Wilson, Senior
Regional Manager, Clinton Climate Initiative.
The Request for Proposals process was launched to a
group of pre-qualified bidders and joint ventures who were selected last year
as part of the first phase of procurement. With this process opening, this
clean energy project moves another step closer to full implementation. Bidders
are required to submit their full technical and financial proposals in
September 2019, with an expected tender award in November 2019. Construction is
expected to start soon thereafter, with the project becoming operational in
2020.
“This will be a landmark project for Seychelles.
The project not only injects green energy into the grid but also exemplifies
the country’s commitment and will in transforming its energy sector to a
low-carbon one,” said Tony Imaduwa, CEO of Seychelles Energy Commission.
For the full article visit: https://constructionreviewonline.com/2019/06/seychelles-to-set-up-africas-first-ipp-floating-solar-pv-project/
