Minister Wallace Cosgrow launching of the floating PV farm project at the Africa Energy Forum

19 June 2018 - In the context of the Africa Energy Forum (AEF) held in Mauritius, HE Wallace Cosgrow, Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change of Seychelles has announced the launch of the tender of the right to develop, finance, own and operate a 4MW floating grid-connected solar PV plant in the Lagoon le Rocher, Mahé. The Request for Qualification (RFQ) round will be formally launched on Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change (www.meecc.gov.sc), Seychelles Investment Board website (www.sib.gov.sc), Procurement Oversight Unit (www.pou.gov.sc) and Seychelles Energy Commission website (www.sec.sc) at noon (UTC+4) on 20 June 2018.

The tender and project will represent a path-breaking opportunity for the eventual successful bidder as it will be the first utility-scale floating solar PV project in all of Africa. It will be one of the first salt-water floating solar PV plants in the world. This innovative project reflects the Government of Seychelles commitment to climate change action and renewable energy development. Marine floating PV technology has significant implications for island nations and other land-scarce regions that aim to utilize renewable energy. This project aims to reduce Seychelles’ reliance on imported diesel fuel, and instead harness affordable, clean and local energy resources. The project is supported by the Clinton Foundation and the African Legal Support Facility with Trinity International LLP and Multiconsult serving as the transaction and tender advisors.

Minister Cosgrow made the announcement during his intervention at the opening ceremony of the AEF where he briefly painted the energy landscape of Seychelles, our point of situation, the challenges of our energy sector as well as the complexity of addressing our issues. He highlighted that Seychelles have made tremendous steps over the years but need to do more in order to ensure a cleaner, sustainable and affordable energy sector for the country. “As a country, we need to transition to a cleaner energy sector, we need to strengthen our energy security. We are committed and willing to address these challenges. We invite you present today to partner with us and assist us in doing so” concluded Minister Cosgrow. 

The Africa Energy Forum (AEF) is the global investment meeting for Africa’s power, energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors. Now in its 20th year, AEF brings together senior decision-makers active in Africa's energy sector to form partnerships, identify opportunities and collectively move the industry forward. AEF attracts over 2,000 senior-level representatives comprised of governments, utilities, regulators, power developers, policy makers, EPC contractors, institutional investors, development banks, commercial banks, fund managers, private equity investors, multilateral financial institutions, technology providers, consultants, law firms, IOCs & NOCs and large energy consumers to debate energy solutions, establish new connections and make decisions at the highest level. The event also has a track record of delivering a valuable networking experience.

Minister Cosgrow is attending the forum with the CEO of the Seychelles Energy Commission, Mr. Tony Imaduwa.