Island republic Mauritius is asking for information from companies able to provide an LNG floating power barge as a quick solution to the country’s needs to provide more lower carbon-emitting energy.
In a request, Mauritius’ Central Electricity Board (CEB) said it is seeking information on a power barge that can supply 80 MW to 100 MW of electricity.
“The power barge shall also be equipped with a floating LNG storage and regasification unit which can be replenished from a ship-to-ship transfer at regular intervals,” the CEB said.
The electricity body said it will sign a power purchase agreement with the power barge supplier.
Developers are asked to propose tariff structures for the purchase of electricity from the barge or “barges”.
CEB stresses that the floating power providers will be used as base power plants that will need to guarantee availability year-round.
A location for a first power barge has yet to be identified but CEB said it will be determined in consultation with the Mauritius Ports Authority so as not to affect any maritime activities.
The CEB said the purpose of its initial enquiry is to gather information so it can prepare a request for proposals for the purchase of power supplied by LNG power barges.
It requested submissions by 15 June.
Industry players following this business said this is not the first time Mauritius has looked at LNG power barges, with efforts being made around six years ago.
The CEB, which is the sole power buyer for Mauritius, said building permanent power plants is capital intensive and time-consuming so it is looking at power barge solutions based on LNG technology as a “fast and efficient deployment solution” to match demand and supply.
“Given an already uncertain climate prevailing due to Covid, the situation has been further exacerbated with the Russo-Ukrainian war,” it added.
The CEB said that under its high-case scenario power demand in the country is projected to increase from 493 MW to reach around 641 MW by 2030.
Currently, the bulk of the island’s power is generated using heavy fuel oil and coal. But the government has pledged to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 40% and phase out coal by 2030.
CEB said that LNG is a potential energy source that could help as a transitional energy carrier in meeting these objectives.
