In 2023, Mauritius relies heavily on fossil energy for its electricity, with more than 80% of its electricity coming from fossil fuels and coal alone accounting for about a third of that. However, Mauritius also incorporates low-carbon sources into its energy mix, totaling slightly more than 17% of its electricity generation. Biofuels constitute approximately 10%, while solar energy contributes just under 5%. Hydropower accounts for a negligible amount, making up less than 3%. While low-carbon sources are present, there is significant potential to expand these cleaner alternatives in Mauritius for a more sustainable energy future.
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 experiencing modest growth. In 2023, the electricity use per person increased to 2568 kWh, surpassing the previous record set in 2019 by 56 kWh. Unfortunately, low-carbon electricity generation in Mauritius has not followed this upward trend, with the 2023 low-carbon output per person decreasing by 98 kWh from the peak in 2020. This discrepancy highlights the need for a more focused approach to growing clean electricity so that overall consumption growth can align with low-carbon advancements.
Suggestions
Mauritius can look to other regions as inspiration to level up its low-carbon electricity generation. Countries like North Macedonia, Nevada, and California have succeeded with substantial contributions from solar, reaching levels of over 30%. Additionally, nuclear power provides substantial clean energy in France, Slovakia, and New Hampshire, which see more than half of their electricity from nuclear. By developing both solar and nuclear capacities, Mauritius has an opportunity to transition toward more sustainable electricity systems and significantly reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Mauritius reveals a cyclical pattern with minor advancements in specific low-carbon sources. The late 20th century saw gradual changes, such as incremental additions of biofuels in the early to late 1990s and slight hydropower variations during the same period. The 21st century has mostly seen stagnation, with minor increases in biofuels in the 2010s and a small boost in solar energy in 2019. Despite these setbacks, the path forward for Mauritius involves amplifying solar energy infrastructure and potentially adopting nuclear, as exemplified by various global counterparts.
