In 2023, Mauritius' electricity consumption largely relies on fossil fuels, accounting for over 80% of the energy mix, with coal making up nearly a third of this number. Clean energy sources, on the other hand, make up approximately 17% of the electricity supply. Biofuels contribute almost 10% to the clean energy category, whereas solar and hydropower make up close to 5% and nearly 3%, respectively. While it's promising to see clean sources like biofuels, solar, and hydropower contributing to the electricity grid, there's substantial room for improvement, particularly in expanding solar and nuclear energy to reduce fossil fuel dependency.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Mauritius?
Electricity consumption in Mauritius has shown an upward trend, with an increase from 2,445 kWh/person in 2022 to 2,568 kWh/person in 2023. The rise of 123 kWh/person indicates growing demand and consumption which aligns with global trends of increasing electrification and technological advancement. However, while overall electricity use has grown, low-carbon electricity generation has experienced a setback. Comparing the 2023 figure of 448 kWh/person to the previous record of 546 kWh/person set in 2020, we see a decline of 98 kWh/person in green energy output. This decline is concerning as it highlights the urgent need to bolster low-carbon energy initiatives to not only meet rising demand but also help mitigate climate change.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Mauritius can learn from regions that have successfully adopted solar and nuclear power on a large scale. For instance, Lebanon and Chile have made significant strides in solar energy, generating 31% and 24% of their electricity from solar, respectively. These regions can serve as benchmarks for Mauritius to expand its own solar infrastructure. Additionally, nuclear energy offers a reliable clean power source, as evidenced by France and Slovakia, where nuclear power contributes 69% and 67% of their total electricity generation, respectively. For Mauritius, investing in solar and considering the inclusion of nuclear energy infrastructure could be transformative, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting sustainable growth.
History
Examining the historical progression of low-carbon electricity in Mauritius, the changes have been varied. In the 1980s and 1990s, hydro and biofuels saw modest fluctuations, with very small increments and some decreases. The turn of the millennium marked a slight positive change, especially for biofuels with consistent small gains. The year 2019 saw an introduction of solar with a 0.1 TWh increase. However, both biofuels and solar have experienced periods of stagnation or small declines more recently. Despite these minor setbacks, it is imperative for Mauritius to learn from past patterns, focusing on enhancing and prioritizing solar or possibly exploring nuclear opportunities for a more sustainable electricity future.
