In 2022, the electricity consumption profile of Réunion showed a significant reliance on fossil fuels, with these sources accounting for almost two-thirds of the total. Conversely, low-carbon energy sources contributed around a third of the electricity mix. Among the clean energy sources, hydropower was the most significant, delivering close to a fifth of the electricity. Solar power offered about 8%, and biofuels added another 7%, although it must be considered that biofuels are a more controversial source. It's imperative for Réunion to transition towards more sustainable power generation to reduce the high reliance on fossil fuels, which are detrimental to the environment due to emissions contributing to climate change and air pollution.
Is Electricity Growing in Réunion?
Recent data suggests that electricity consumption in Réunion has declined, with the latest figures for 2022 showing an average of 3867 kWh per person, down from a peak of 4400 kWh per person in 2020. This decrease is concerning, as it indicates a potential stagnation in energy accessibility and development. On the positive side, the use of low-carbon electricity per person is on the rise, increasing from a historical high of 1262 kWh per person in 2013 to 1320 kWh in 2022. While this growth in clean energy use is encouraging, the overall decline in electricity consumption might suggest that further efforts are needed to maintain and enhance energy security and availability on the island.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Réunion can look to several successful examples globally. France, which is a geographically and politically related region, produces more than two-thirds of its electricity from nuclear power, a strong testament to the viability of nuclear energy as a clean, sustainable source. Similarly, the experiences of Denmark and Uruguay showcase substantial contributions from wind energy. For Réunion, solar power also holds immense potential due to its tropical location, similar to regions like Lebanon where solar comprises a significant portion of the energy mix. Thus, prioritizing the development of nuclear and solar infrastructure, alongside exploring wind energy, could be instrumental in Réunion's clean energy future.
History
The historical trajectory of low-carbon electricity in Réunion demonstrates a pattern of modest gains and dips over the years. In the early 2000s, hydropower experienced fluctuations, with both advancements and setbacks. Notably, solar energy began contributing to the grid around 2010, slowly enhancing its presence while biofuels showed sporadic changes with minimal impact. More recently, hydropower has again made notable fluctuations, with a significant increase in 2022. The overall lesson from this history is the critical importance of stable and consistently expanding clean energy sources like solar and potentially nuclear, rather than reliance on incremental improvements alone, to meet future electricity demands sustainably.