In 2023, most of Mauritius's electricity is generated from fossil fuels, with more than 80% deriving from these sources, including coal, which alone contributes to about a third of the total electricity. Conversely, clean, low-carbon energy sources account for approximately 17% of the electricity consumed. Within this category, biofuels make up nearly 10%, solar power provides close to 5%, and hydropower contributes roughly 3%. This distribution shows that Mauritius relies heavily on fossil fuels, with clean energy sources playing a relatively smaller role in electricity generation.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Mauritius?
Electricity consumption in Mauritius is on an upward trend, with the latest figures showing an increase compared to the previous peak in 2019. In 2023, electricity usage has risen to 2568 kWh per person, reflecting a growth of 56 kWh per person from the past record. However, despite this overall increase, there is a concerning decline in low-carbon electricity, which has fallen by 98 kWh per person since 2020. This downturn highlights a critical need for Mauritius to bolster its generation capacity from clean energy sources, especially given the global move towards sustainable energy solutions and the pressing challenges posed by climate change and air pollution.
Suggestions
To amplify its low-carbon electricity generation, Mauritius could look towards regions that excel in solar and nuclear power production. Many successful countries, such as France and Slovakia, generate a significant portion of their electricity from nuclear energy. Regions like Nevada and California are also noteworthy for their impressive solar power outputs. For Mauritius, investing in solar power appears particularly advantageous given its geographical location. Additionally, considering the introduction of nuclear energy could provide a robust foundation for sustainable electricity generation, offering a reliable complement to its existing energy mix and reducing the reliance on fossil fuels. By learning from these examples, Mauritius could significantly expand its clean energy footprint.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Mauritius has seen a series of modest fluctuations over recent decades. In the 1980s and 1990s, changes were often in the realm of 0.1 TWh, mainly characterized by minor variations in hydroelectric and biofuel generation. The 2000s and 2010s continued this trend, with notable changes including a slight increase in biofuels in 2010, followed by a minor reduction the following year. There has been some growth in solar power, particularly notable in 2019, but recent years have seen declines in biofuels. While these figures reflect both commitment and challenges Mauritius faces in advancing its clean energy landscape, they suggest that more robust systems and policies are needed to foster substantial growth in low-carbon electricity generation.
