In 2023, the landscape of electricity consumption in Mauritius is predominantly dependent on fossil fuels, which account for more than four-fifths of the total electricity supply, with coal alone contributing slightly over one-third. The remaining portion, less than a fifth, comes from low-carbon sources such as biofuels, solar, and hydropower. Biofuels provide nearly 10%, while solar and hydro contribute around 5% and 3% respectively. This indicates a significant opportunity for Mauritius to increase its low-carbon electricity generation given the disproportionate reliance on fossil fuels, which have negative implications for the environment through greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Mauritius?
Year-over-year changes in electricity consumption in Mauritius suggest a trajectory of modest growth. The 2023 per capita consumption of electricity reached 2568 kWh/person, surpassing the previous peak of 2511 kWh/person in 2019. This increment, although small, is a positive indication of growing electricity use, likely driven by population growth and increased electrification. However, the lukewarm performance in low-carbon electricity generation, which saw a decline from a record 546 kWh/person in 2020 to 448 kWh/person in 2023, is concerning. A dwindling share of clean electricity underscores the need for Mauritius to accelerate the transition to more sustainable energy sources.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Mauritius could look at successful international examples. Solar energy, for instance, holds great promise, as seen in regions like California and Lebanon that generate over 30% of their electricity from solar. The nuclear success stories of France and Slovakia, boasting shares of over 65%, highlight potential pathways for stable and substantial clean electricity generation. Mauritius can take strategic lessons from these regions by investing in solar and nuclear infrastructure, balancing immediate solar potential with long-term nuclear energy development to ensure a robust low-carbon electricity future.
History
A look into Mauritius's history of low-carbon electricity reveals a pattern of small yet meaningful developments over the decades. During the late 1980s and 1990s, hydro and biofuels experienced slight fluctuations, with additions in some years balancing out reductions in others. The 2000s were marked by incremental progress in biofuels, reaching modest gains in subsequent years. In recent history, the introduction of solar energy in 2019 marked a new chapter for low-carbon development. Despite these gains, the pace remains inconsistent, underscoring the need for a more strategic and ambitious approach to clean energy infrastructure to drive sustained growth.
