GE expert names sites for offshore wind generation in Mauritius

A renewable energy expert at General Electric (NYSE:GE) has identified three locations off the island of Mauritius where it would be possible to develop offshore wind farms.

Gautier de Martene, who oversees strategic marketing for the offshore wind activities at GE, named Flic en Flac, Mahebourg and Rodrigues as potential locations for exploitation. The industry expert spoke on Wednesday at a workshop organised by the Mauritius Research Council jointly with the US Embassy in Mauritius.

According to the expert, Mauritius has the potential to develop this type of resources but needs to take into consideration environmental aspects such as cyclones and tsunamis, and the coral reef. De Martene said that wind speeds in most regions around the island are above the average required for offshore wind power generation.

The Mauritius Research Council already has a body of research on the development of ocean renewable energies, including offshore wind. Its current focus however falls on onshore wind projects, the government said in a statement.

The island nation has set a target of generating 35% of its power from renewable sources by 2025.

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