Energy transition to decarbonize the energy system in Mauritius

Reducing greenhouse emission is high on the agenda of any country. Given that greenhouse gas emission from the energy sector is the biggest share, increasing the share of renewable energy emerges as an option to improve energy security and decarbonizing the electricity mix. This study provides some of the pertinent strategies and measures that can help policymakers to achieve the goal in terms of greenhouse gas emission reduction and phasing out of coal. Some of the measures such as dispatchable generation from biomass and prosumer market can be easily implemented in the short term, while others such as price of biomass and time use of tariff can be implemented on the short term with some difficulties. There are some measures such as offshore wind farm and dispatchable generation from waste-to-energy that can only be implemented on a long term with some difficulties as there might be opposition to such projects.

Automated summary

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a top priority worldwide. The energy sector is the largest contributor to these emissions, making it important to increase the proportion of renewable energy sources to enhance energy security and decarbonize the electricity mix. This study offers strategies like biomass dispatchable generation and the development of prosumer markets to help policymakers achieve their emissions reduction and coal phase-out goals. Although some measures can be easily implemented in the short term, others such as biomass pricing and time-differentiated tariffs may face challenges. Additionally, long-term measures like offshore wind farms and waste-to-energy dispatchable generation may encounter opposition.