Electricity in Mauritius in 2022

In 2022, the electricity sector in Mauritius relied heavily on fossil fuels, with more than three-quarters of its electricity generated from such sources. Coal alone contributed to almost two-fifths of the island nation's electricity production. In contrast, low-carbon or clean energy sources accounted for just under a fifth of the total electricity generated. Among these, biofuels generated more than half of the low-carbon electricity supply, solar energy contributed nearly a quarter, and hydropower made up the remainder with just under a fifth. This indicates a strong dependence on fossil energy, underscoring the need for Mauritius to diversify and expand its clean energy sources to combat climate change and reduce air pollution.

Suggestions

To increase its share of low-carbon electricity generation, Mauritius can look to other nations for strategies and inspiration. While the country does not have a nuclear power program, it can still expand its clean energy sector by investing in solar and potentially wind power. Looking at other nations, solar power is a prominent contributor in countries like Cyprus and Yemen, where it accounts for 17% and 20% of electricity generation, respectively. Additionally, countries similar to Mauritius, such as Cape Verde, utilize wind power effectively at 14%. These examples show that investing in solar and wind infrastructure can serve as pivotal steps towards sustainability. Mauritius could also benefit from exploring nuclear energy as a long-term clean energy solution, learning from countries like France, where nuclear energy produces a significant portion of the electricity.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Mauritius shows gradual but uneven growth over the years. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, minor fluctuations occurred in hydropower output, with brief increases and decreases in generation. Biofuels experienced modest growth starting in the early 1990s and persisted into the 2010s, though with occasional declines, such as in 2010 and 2020. The year 2019 marked the introduction of solar power into the electricity mix, highlighting a positive step towards diversifying energy sources. This historical context suggests that while Mauritius has made incremental progress in developing its low-carbon electricity infrastructure, there remains significant room for enhancement by adopting more diverse and innovative clean energy solutions.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources