In 2023, electricity consumption in Mauritius is predominantly fueled by fossil energy, which accounts for over 80% of the mix, with coal alone contributing approximately one-third of the total. In comparison, low-carbon electricity generation stands at just over 17%. Biofuels make up about 10% of this clean energy, while solar energy contributes nearly 5%, and hydropower is responsible for almost 3%. Despite some presence of low-carbon sources, the heavy reliance on fossil fuels highlights an opportunity and a pressing need for Mauritius to increase its clean electricity share to combat climate change and reduce air pollution.
Is Electricity Growing in Mauritius?
Examining recent trends in electricity consumption reveals that Mauritius's overall electricity use is on the rise, growing to 2568 kWh per person in 2023. This is an increase of 56 kWh compared to the previous peak in 2019. On the downside, low-carbon electricity generation has decreased, from a previous high of 546 kWh per person in 2020 to 448 kWh in 2023, showing a decline of 98 kWh per person. While the overall consumption of electricity is encouragingly growing, the drop in low-carbon generation is concerning. To ensure a sustainable future, Mauritius must reverse this trend and increase its commitment to clean electricity.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Mauritius can learn from regions that have successfully harnessed solar and nuclear power. Lebanon and Cyprus, for instance, have achieved significant solar electricity shares, highlighting solar energy as a prime candidate for expansion in Mauritius due to its sunny climate. Additionally, the extensive use of nuclear energy in countries like France and Slovakia, where it comprises a significant portion of the electricity generation mix, underscores the potential of nuclear energy to provide stable and large-scale clean power. By investing in solar and considering the introduction of nuclear power, Mauritius can diversify its energy mix and significantly increase the proportion of low-carbon electricity.
History
Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity in Mauritius, the journey has been characterized by gradual changes. In the early 1980s and 1990s, hydropower experienced minor fluctuations with both losses and gains, while biofuels saw more consistent, albeit slow, increases from 1990 onwards. A noteworthy development in recent years was the introduction of solar energy in 2019, marking a step toward diversifying the clean energy mix. However, reductions in biofuels after 2020 highlight challenges in maintaining a steady increase of low-carbon sources. To carve a sustainable path forward, Mauritius should focus on steadily expanding solar and potentially integrating nuclear power, looking to successful models globally for inspiration and guidance.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.