In 2023, the electricity consumption landscape in Seychelles is predominantly driven by fossil fuels, with more than four-fifths (around 86%) of its electricity coming from these sources. Low-carbon energy sources, though currently modest, contribute the remaining 14% of the electricity mix. Among the low-carbon energies, solar power is the leader, generating nearly 13% of the country's electricity, while wind energy makes up a smaller portion at just over 1.5%. This reliance on fossil fuels highlights an opportunity for significant improvement in Seychelles’ energy portfolio in pursuit of greener, more sustainable energy options.
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Seychelles can expand its existing solar power infrastructure, given its current success in contributing larger amounts of clean electricity compared to wind. Learning from countries similar to Seychelles, such as Lebanon, where solar energy contributes to almost a third of their electricity, could provide valuable insights into scaling solar power effectively. Additionally, Seychelles can look towards nations like Denmark and Uruguay, where wind energy accounts for more than a quarter of their electricity production, as examples of harnessing other low-carbon options. By adopting such strategies, Seychelles can significantly reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, address climate change, and improve air quality.
Reviewing the history of low-carbon electricity generation in Seychelles, it's noticeable that there has been no significant change in contributions from wind and solar energy since 2013. Throughout these years, both wind and solar have seen no variation in their output, indicating a period of stagnation. This period highlights the need for more robust policies and investment strategies to increase the production of low-carbon electricity. By fostering development in these areas, Seychelles could better align itself with the global movement towards sustainable and clean energy solutions in the coming decades.