Electricity in Mauritius in 2022

In 2022, the electricity consumption in Mauritius was largely dominated by fossil sources, which accounted for more than 80% of the total electricity production. Of this, coal alone contributed to just over a third. In contrast, low-carbon energy sources made up a modest portion, slightly less than a fifth of the total electricity generation. Within the low-carbon bracket, biofuels stood at around 11%, followed by solar power at approximately 5%, and hydropower at about 4%. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels underlines a significant opportunity for Mauritius to enhance its sustainability and reduce the environmental impacts associated with fossil energy, such as climate change and air pollution.

Suggestions

To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Mauritius could look to countries that have successfully integrated cleaner energy types on a large scale. For instance, Denmark has achieved remarkable success in harnessing wind power, generating almost 60% of its electricity this way. Similarly, Uruguay utilizes wind energy to produce nearly a third of its electricity, a model that might be particularly applicable due to similarities in size and resource availability. Additionally, Mauritius could explore expanding solar energy usage, taking inspiration from countries like Greece and Chile, where solar power delivers around a fifth of the electricity. Further investment and focus on wind and solar energy, alongside potential consideration for nuclear, could drive Mauritius towards a more sustainable energy future.

History

Historically, the journey of low-carbon electricity generation in Mauritius has shown incremental growth. From the 1980s through the late 1990s, most advancements were minor, typically adding or subtracting 0.1 TWh in biofuels and hydropower. The early 2000s saw continued, albeit restrained, activity in these sectors, with the noticeable introduction of solar power growth in 2019. Biofuels experienced minor fluctuations, including modest increases and occasional declines over the years. Despite the limited net increase, these historical steps illustrate an ongoing commitment to diversifying and growing the clean energy portfolio. Looking forward, Mauritius might harness this historical foundation to accelerate the shift toward diverse, low-carbon energy sources.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources