Description
Project Name: Helios Beau Champ
Project Owner: Qair
Standard: UNFCCC
Project ID: 10543
The Helios Beau Champ Solar Power Plant stands as a shining symbol of the island’s sustainable future. Commissioned in November 2019, this 10.3 MWp photovoltaic masterpiece spans 14 hectares, harnessing Mauritius’ abundant sunlight to power 3,500 households. As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) grappling with climate change and 86% reliance on imported fossil fuels, Mauritius finds in Helios Beau Champ a bold step toward energy independence, slashing coal and oil imports while advancing its “Maurice Île Durable” vision of 60% renewable energy by 2030.
Developed by Qair, Helios Beau Champ delivers electricity to the Central Electricity Board (CEB) under a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA), saving Mauritius $1.2 million annually in fuel costs. Its 27,000 state-of-the-art solar panels and 132 advanced inverters, equipped with real-time fault detection, ensure maximum efficiency, while the plant’s control center feeds production forecasts to the CEB every 30 minutes. The project created 50 local jobs during construction and sustains 10 permanent roles, boosting Flacq’s economy and training Mauritian technicians in cutting-edge solar technology.
Helios Beau Champ is a cornerstone of Qair’s leadership in Mauritius, where the independent power producer (IPP) operates 35 MW of wind and solar assets, including the island’s first 9.3 MW wind farm at Plaine des Roches. Qair’s “multi-local” approach blends innovation with community empowerment, ensuring projects like Helios thrive through local partnerships.
Impact
86% of Mauritius’ total primary energy comes from imported fossil fuels, with significant costs.
The project limits this importation.
The plant was built through advanced technology transfer from industrialized countries.
The project is allowing more competitiveness and will eventually lead to research and development of solar PV technology on the island.
Qair used the local workforce to build the plant.
The project hired local people for the construction phase and relies on Mauritians technicians to ensure operation and maintenance.
Mauritius « sustainable island » plan aims to achieve 35% of renewable energy in the island energy mix.
The project helps the island to reach its target by reducing the fuel consumption from electricity production.
CSR Action
”Skills Hub Programme” a programme for empowering the youth from 18 to 32 (120 beneficiaries since 2017), and support to Primary and Secondary Schools of the region (financial support for events).
-1,000 students sensitised on climate change and marine environment and its conservation
-Promoting waste segregation at source through provision of recycling bins
-Clean-up campaigns
Promotion of social integration, wellness and wellbeing among communities with the practice of sport.
Financial support to sporting clubs in the Eastern Region.
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