Work on a floating solar farm in Seychelles is set to begin this year, following the signing of three agreements for the project on Tuesday. Once completed, the installation will become the world’s largest salt‑water floating solar plant. The seven‑year‑long project will feature a 5‑megawatt photovoltaic system in the lagoon at Providence on the eastern coast of Mahé, helping Seychelles move closer to its zero‑emissions target.
The agreements were signed aboard the Energy Observer, a floating photovoltaic laboratory and official partner of French renewable‑energy company Qair. One agreement was between the Seychelles government and Qair for governmental support, while the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC) and Qair signed a power‑purchase agreement and a grid‑connection agreement.
“The government is determined to ensure energy security through the best investments and the use of renewable energy in Seychelles,” said Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change and Energy Flavien Joubert after the ceremony. He added that “just seven months separate us from this agreement and having a plant in operation in Seychelles.”
Regional director of Qair, Olivier Gaering, noted that despite numerous international challenges, the project had finally reached this stage. “Qair started looking into the Seychelles market back in 2015, seven years ago, and I am very happy that we have managed to get these agreements signed so that we can move forward with the first independent power‑production project in Seychelles,” he said. Qair is an independent power producer operating 860 MW of renewable‑energy assets and is currently in the construction and financing phase for 800 MW, with plans to develop 16 GW across the 20 territories where it operates.
For the Seychelles project, the majority shareholder is Vetiver Tech, a Seychellois company owned by businessman Radley Webber. Webber explained that the plant was originally planned to generate less electricity, but discussions with Qair led to a higher output. He also addressed early concerns from local residents about marine‑life impacts, explaining that the panels will float on the water’s surface and will not affect underwater species. Gaering confirmed that all necessary environmental impact assessments have been completed to ensure the project poses no danger to the surrounding environment.
The agreements run for 25 years, with Qair financing most of the project and providing all necessary maintenance for the panels.
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