Electricity in Mauritius in 2022

In 2022, Mauritius produced a total of about 2.83 TWh of electricity from fossil fuels, with coal contributing almost half of this at 1.3 TWh. On the other hand, low-carbon energy sources such as hydro, biofuels, and solar combined provided a much smaller portion of the country’s electricity supply. To put this into perspective, the global average electricity consumption is about 432 watts per person, which highlights that Mauritius consumes relatively low levels of electricity per person. This low level of electricity generation can lead to several challenges, including limited economic growth, inadequate development of infrastructure, and restricted access to modern amenities for the population.

Suggestions

Mauritius can look to increase its low-carbon electricity generation by learning from successful countries that have effectively implemented such sources. For instance, both China and Germany have been highly successful in harnessing wind energy, generating 886 TWh and 137 TWh, respectively, showing how investing in wind farms can greatly enhance electricity supply. Similarly, sunny regions like India and Japan have capitalized on solar power, producing 113 TWh and 97 TWh of electricity, respectively. Additionally, countries like France, South Korea, and the United States have demonstrated the vast potential of nuclear power, which can provide a steady and large-scale supply of clean electricity. By adopting a mix of these strategies, focusing particularly on solar and wind due to Mauritius' climate, and potentially exploring nuclear options, the island nation can significantly boost its clean energy output.

History

Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity generation in Mauritius, there have been several notable developments over the decades. In the 1980s, the country saw minor fluctuations in hydroelectric power, with 0.1 TWh declines and gains, reflecting early but modest investments in clean energy. Moving into the 1990s, there was a steady increase in biofuels and occasional improvements in hydroelectric capacity. By the late 2010s, solar energy started making an appearance, with a small yet crucial 0.1 TWh gain in 2019. However, biofuels have seen some volatility, including a decline by 0.1 TWh in 2020. These historical trends suggest a cautious but evolving approach towards low-carbon energy, indicating a need for more robust policies to accelerate the transition to sustainable power sources.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources