Energy transition: ER Group’s investment in solar energy

02/03/26 #Climate resilience
Energy transition: ER Group’s investment in solar energy



Energy transition is part of ER Group’s climate resilience pillar, under its Sustainability & Inclusive Development (S&ID) framework. Across the subsidiaries, the Group is reshaping the way it produces and consumes energy by investing in renewable sources, improving energy efficiency, and advancing the decarbonisation of our operations.

 

This ambition aligns with the National Renewable Energy Roadmap 2030, which aims for the phase-out of coal and a rise in renewable energy to 60% of the national grid supply. ER Group is committed to being part of the solution, at scale with measurable outcomes.

 

Scaling solar through EnVolt and Ecoasis
 

EnVolt and Ecoasis, ER Group’s subsidiaries specialised in renewable energy production, play a central role in delivering photovoltaic (PV) projects across the Group  EnVolt acts as developer, while Ecoasis serves as EPC contractor (engineering, procurement and construction). Together, the teams work with subsidiaries across logistics, hospitality, retail and mixed-use developments to design, support and implement projects that accelerate the transition to cleaner electricity.

 

PV projects across the Group
 

Velogic: A 1.1 MWp photovoltaic plant at the Freeport of Mauritius (‘FoM’) in Port Louis covers 85% of its site electricity needs and reduces its carbon footprint by 1,856 tCO²e (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) annually.
 

ER Hospitality: Two 2 MWp photovoltaic farms on Agrïa’s land in Bel Ombre and Case Noyale are in place to meet 80% of Heritage Resorts’ electricity needs.
 

Ascencia: Three rooftop solar farms totalling 3,699 kWp have been installed across Bo’Valon Mall, Riche Terre Mall, and Bagatelle Home & Leisure.
 

ER Property: A solar farm at Moka City’s Climate Hub, alongside solar installations on three landmark buildings within Vivéa Business Park: La Piazza, The Pod, and The Factory, generates around 108 MWh of clean electricity annually.
 

Decathlon Maurice: The Bagatelle Mall and Beau Plan stores are fully powered by 4,800 m² of solar panels. The generated electricity supports Decathlon’s commitment to more sustainable retail operations, with production injected directly into the national grid.

 

Solar panel recycling: A step ahead in Mauritius’ energy transition
 

As solar installations accelerate across Mauritius, an important question arises: what happens to these panels at the end of their lifespan?
 

A local answer is not taking shape. Mauritius will soon be able to recycle end-of-life solar panels and used batteries locally through a dedicated recycling facility led by PV Solutions, Ecoasis, the Leal Group, and the European leader PV CYCLE. This facility will be a first for the Indian Ocean region and a major milestone for the development of a circular renewable energy value chain.

 

Each partner brings complementary expertise to the project:

  • PV Solutions, the first solar panel recycling company in the Indian Ocean region, incubated at Turbine (an ER Group subsidiary), brings innovative recycling solutions,
  • Ecoasis will support the initiative with logistical and technical infrastructure,
  • Leal Group provides operational leadership, drawing on its experience in designing and delivering cost-effective, sustainable renewable energy solutions,
  • PV CYCLE, Europe’s specialist in the collection and recycling of photovoltaic panels, brings proven technical know-how.

 

“At Ecoasis, sustainability is at the heart of our mission. This collaboration reinforces our dedication to eco-friendly practices and the circular economy, ensuring we remain 'Your energy solutions partner for a sustainable future',” shares Didier Philogene, CEO of Ecoasis.  

 

Until now, end-of-life equipment had to be exported at high cost or stored without proper treatment. With approximately 450,000 panels already installed nationwide, preparing for their end-of-life management is both urgent and strategic.

 

The facility will recover more than 95% of materials, including glass, aluminium, silicon, and copper, reintegrating them into the local economy. This circular approach reduces the need for resource extraction, lowers environmental impact, and strengthens Mauritius’ commitment to sustainable development. It also reinforces a circular economy approach within the Climate Resilience agenda by addressing end-of-life impacts alongside deployment. Gilbert Espitalier-Noël, CEO of ER Group, highlighted the broader impact:

 

"Our energy strategy focuses on transitioning to green electricity and achieving energy efficiency. This facility expands Ecoasis' capacity to offer locally driven solutions, supporting Mauritius and the Indian Ocean islands with tailored recycling services."

 

Performance and progress
 

ER continues to accelerate its transition to cleaner electricity in line with the S&ID Framework. In FY25, the Group reached:

  • 8,407 kWp of photovoltaic capacity installed,
  • 7,173 MWh of solar electricity supplied to the national grid,
  • 14% of the Group’s consumption covered by solar electricity (equivalent).
     

These results reflect a clear trajectory: deploy renewable capacity, integrate it into operations, and track performance through consistent indicators.

 

Alignment with ER Group’s Sustainability and Inclusive Development (S&ID) Framework
 

Working alongside key partners, ER Group and its subsidiaries are building together an integrated renewable energy value chain, where production, installation, and recycling progress to support a resilient and circular energy future. By scaling solar generation and preparing for responsible end-of-life management, the Group is advancing a practical model of energy transition: one that supports decarbonisation, strengthens resilience, and anchors circular economy principles in real infrastructure.

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