Wind power 2.0: Revolutionary airborne wind energy system to provide green power to the Republic of Mauritius
A new and innovative form of wind power will soon deliver green electricity to the Republic of Mauritius. Mauritian-based company IBL Energy Holdings Ltd. and German SkySails Power GmbH have agreed on the installation of an airborne wind energy system. Starting 2021, a large kite will lift off at the eastern coast of the island to generate electricity for the CEB grid from high-altitude winds.
The project is supported by the National scheme for emerging/innovative renewable energy technologies, tendered by Mauritius Renewable Energy Agency (MARENA), Central Electricity Board (CEB) and Mauritius Research Council (MRC). The Republic of Mauritius is targeting a 40% share of renewables in its electricity mix by 2030. Thanks to its specific advantages, airborne wind energy is set to play a vital role in achieving this objective.
“With this pilot project in Mauritius, IBL Energy Holdings confirms its strategy of developing new business models that have the potential to revolutionize energy production. Supported by Marena and the Central Electricity Board (CEB), and in partnership with SkySails Power GmbH, this first deployment of a SkySails’ power generation system in the Southern Hemisphere will demonstrate the potential of this breakthrough technology in Mauritius and more broadly throughout the Indian Ocean, Eastern and Southern Africa,” says Emmanuel André, Director IBL Energy Holdings.
“We are very proud that our technology is helping to reduce dependence on fossil fuels in the Indian Ocean,” says Stephan Wrage, founder and CEO of SkySails Group GmbH. “For us, IBL Energy Holdings represents the perfect partner for this project thanks to their extensive experience and network in the region”.