In 2023, fossil fuels accounted for 82.6% of electricity generation in Mauritius, of which 33.6% came from coal and 49% from petroleum products. Mauritius imports fossil fuels to supply power plants: according to customs statistics, the main supplier of coal is South Africa, and the main supplier of petroleum products is the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
By 2030, Mauritius plans to phase out coal-fired generation. “This is also something which is challenging. We have five years to do that,” stated Elahee. In his opinion, the country’s energy policy should be based on the principles of the three A’s: accessibility, availability and affordability. In the latter case, it is that society should have a voice in decisions about the construction of power plants.
Installed renewable energy capacity in Mauritius increased from 146 MW in 2014 to 270 MW in 2023. Most new power plants are wind and solar generators, but the options are not limited to these two ones. Alternatives also include building biomass plants and harnessing ocean wave energy. “Especially regarding that, Mauritius is an oceanic state, which includes the islands of Mauritius and Rodrigues, as well as the Cargados-Carajos archipelago, the Agalega islands and a number of other ones.” Elahee said.
