Seychelles’ Energy Department Explores Sites for Large-Scale Solar Farms on Praslin and La Digue

VICTORIA, SEYCHELLES – The Seychelles’ Department of Energy is conducting feasibility studies to identify locations for large-scale solar farms on Praslin and La Digue islands. The initiative is in alignment with the island nation’s objective to achieve 15 percent renewable energy penetration by 2030, according to Tony Imaduwa, the principal secretary for the Department of Energy.

According to Seychelles News Agency, Imaduwa stated that the department has plans to install utility-scale systems on Praslin and La Digue and has already earmarked potential sites for these installations. However, feasibility studies need to be conducted before any confirmation can be made.

Seychelles has previously invested in solar farms, the largest of which is located on Ile Romainville, an artificial island off the coast of Mahe, the nation’s main island. Recently, Seychelles signed an agreement with French energy company Qair to install a 5-megawatt photovoltaic system in the lagoon at Providence on Mahe’s eastern coast.

Imaduwa added that the government intends to make La Digue Island a fully ‘green’ island in terms of ecological sustainability. This new installation is a part of that vision. Since 2014, efforts have been underway to turn La Digue into the eco-capital of Seychelles, in line with the Seychelles 2020 vision. Various steps have been taken toward this end, including the introduction of clean energy vehicles such as electric golf carts, as the island phases out all fuel-dependent vehicles.

La Digue, known for its tranquility and a population of around 2,900, is heavily reliant on tourism. Until the introduction of electric golf carts, the island was primarily a sanctuary for bicycles and its famous ox-carts, a measure to keep the island free from traffic and noise.

Imaduwa further mentioned that the department continues to explore new technologies and innovations in the renewable energy sector to help meet the country’s targets. One of the challenges they face is related to storage capacity, an area they are monitoring for developments.