French independent renewable power producer Qair said today it has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) for a 5.8-MWp floating solar plant in the Seychelles, bringing to an end negotiations that started in November 2019 when it won a tender for the project.
The contract, signed with the Republic of Seychelles’ Public Utilities Corporation (PUC) on Monday, is the Indian Ocean country’s first ever PPA.
Qair will develop, build and operate the floating solar array on the lagoon of Providence, with construction due to start in the fourth quarter of 2023. The electricity generated will be supplied to the Seychelles grid.
The signing took place onboard Energy Observer, a renewable energy and hydrogen powered vessel. Launched in 2017 in France, the vessel serves as a laboratory for ecological transition. Qair has been an official partner of Energy Observer since 2022.
It was reported in late 2022 that final talks were underway on the floating solar project. This followed a delay caused by travel restrictions imposed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
