In 2022, Réunion's electricity consumption shows a heavy reliance on fossil energy, with almost two-thirds (about 66%) coming from such sources. Coal is a significant contributor among the fossil fuels, accounting for almost 28% of the total electricity generation. However, over one-third (roughly 34%) of Réunion's electricity comes from low-carbon sources. Hydropower leads in this category, providing nearly 19%. Solar energy contributes to about 8% of the electricity, while biofuels add over 7%. In contrast, more sustainable and cleaner options such as nuclear are not currently utilized in Réunion's energy mix, indicating a substantial opportunity for the island to further embrace low-carbon options.
Data sources used on this page include Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Réunion?
Despite the growing necessity of clean energy, Réunion's overall electricity consumption per person has seen a decrease. In 2022, the electricity consumption was 3867 kWh per person, which is a drop compared to the 4400 kWh per person in 2020, marking a reduction of 533 kWh per person. However, there is a silver lining as the generation of low-carbon electricity per person reached an all-time high at 1320 kWh, surpassing the previous record of 1262 kWh per person in 2013. This 57 kWh increase per person in clean energy presents a positive trend, yet the decrease in total electricity consumption suggests an urgent need to focus on sustainable growth in both overall usage and clean electricity generation.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Réunion can draw inspiration from regions worldwide that successfully utilize nuclear, solar, and wind energy. For instance, Nevada has achieved over 30% solar power in its electricity mix, demonstrating the potential for solar advancements. Additionally, France's impressive use of nuclear power, which accounts for 70% of its electricity generation, exemplifies how nuclear can effectively reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Réunion could substantially benefit from incorporating solar and nuclear into its energy strategy by observing these successful implementations, ultimately creating a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.
History
Historically, Réunion's low-carbon electricity generation has had some fluctuations. The island has seen variable contributions from hydropower, with periods of both decline and growth. For example, significant reductions occurred in 2001, 2004, 2009, 2011, 2014, 2019, and 2021, while there were moments of growth in 2002, 2006, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2018, and most notably, in 2022 with a notable increase of 0.3 TWh of hydropower. Solar energy began to make its mark in 2010 and 2011, contributing positively to the low-carbon mix. Meanwhile, biofuels have shown minor fluctuations, with a small decline in 2018. Looking forward, Réunion would greatly benefit from expanding solar and particularly nuclear energy to ensure a consistent and growing supply of low-carbon electricity.
