Mauritius relies heavily on fossil fuels for its electricity production in 2023, with more than three-quarters of its electricity coming from fossil sources, including coal, which contributes about a third. On the other hand, clean energy sources make up less than a fifth, with biofuels providing around a tenth, solar making up close to five percent, and hydropower contributing less than three percent. This reliance on fossil fuels poses concerns regarding climate change and air quality, emphasizing the need for Mauritius to broaden its clean energy portfolio to foster a sustainable and environmentally-friendly future.

Is Electricity Growing in Mauritius?

Electricity consumption in Mauritius has seen growth, with the per capita consumption rising from 2,511 kWh in 2019 to 2,568 kWh in 2023. This increase of 56 kWh/person indicates a positive trend in overall electricity consumption. However, the situation is different when considering just low-carbon electricity, as the per capita generation has decreased by 98 kWh/person between 2020 and 2023, with the recent figure at 448 kWh/person. This decline in low-carbon electricity usage highlights a troubling stagnation in sustainable practices, urging for a revitalization in the country's clean energy endeavors.

Suggestions

To accelerate low-carbon electricity generation, Mauritius can draw inspiration from several regions. Countries like France and Slovakia showcase impressive usage of nuclear power, generating two-thirds of their electricity from this clean source. Similarly, Nevada and California provide examples of successful solar energy adoption, with solar contributing about a third of their electricity. Mauritius can benefit significantly by increasing investment in both solar and nuclear energy, integrating these clean technologies to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, decrease carbon emissions, and align with global sustainability goals.

History

Looking back into Mauritius' history of low-carbon electricity, the data from past decades reveals fluctuations primarily in hydropower and biofuels. In the 1980s and 1990s, hydropower saw minor variations both upwards and downwards, while biofuels management has seen similar trends in the 1990s and early 2000s, eventually stabilizing with incremental growth by the late 2010s. The introduction of solar power in 2019 marked a new direction in clean energy integration. Despite consistent shifts among low-carbon sources, the need to fortify clean energy capacities remains crucial for Mauritius to build a more sustainable electricity framework for the future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade