Electricity in Mauritius in 2022

In 2022, the electricity landscape in Mauritius was heavily dominated by fossil fuels, with more than three-quarters of the electricity being generated from fossil sources, including a significant portion from coal, which accounted for over a third. Meanwhile, low-carbon energy sources contributed to just under a fifth of the electricity generation. Within the low-carbon category, biofuels made up a bit more than half, while solar and hydropower contributed smaller portions at around 5% and 4%, respectively. This significant reliance on fossil fuels not only highlights Mauritius's current challenges in transitioning to cleaner energy systems but also underscores the urgent need for more sustainable power solutions to mitigate climate change and reduce air pollution.

Suggestions

Mauritius could enhance its low-carbon electricity generation by taking cues from countries that have experienced notable successes in this domain. For instance, Denmark's achievement of generating nearly 60% of its electricity from wind power presents a compelling case for Mauritius to prioritize the development of wind energy, leveraging its coastal conditions to optimize wind farm placements. Moreover, many countries like Greece and Chile have demonstrated effective solar power utilization, generating around 22% of their electricity from solar, indicating that Mauritius can significantly scale up its solar power capabilities. Additionally, Mauritius should consider exploring nuclear energy as a robust and reliable low-carbon option, taking inspiration from similar-sized or coastal countries like the United Arab Emirates, which generates 20% of its electricity from nuclear power, showcasing its commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

History

Looking at the history of low-carbon electricity in Mauritius reveals some gradual and sporadic changes over the years. In the 1980s and 1990s, shifts in electricity generation from hydropower and biofuels were modest, with minor increases and decreases. Hydro contributed minimal changes during this period, while biofuels began to show consistent, albeit small, increases in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The 2010s marked a period where biofuel electricity generation fluctuated slightly, starting with an increase in 2010 but experiencing reductions by 2020. The emergence of solar power in the last few years, specifically a gain in 2019, suggests an increasing interest and investment in this clean energy source. To support future energy transitions, Mauritius could harness insights from the success of solar and wind adoption globally, aiming for a more comprehensive and diversified low-carbon electricity portfolio.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources