How can Reunion Island achieve energy autonomy?

Reunion Island aims to achieve energy autonomy and a 100% renewable electricity mix by 2030. Without policy support, the share of renewables remains at the 2008 reference level. The development of biomass, particularly energy cane, is economically interesting. Solar and marine energy need political and/or economic support to be developed.

How can a new energy system be made in Réunion?

This includes replacing sugar cane with different food crops; restricting urbanization; increasing the capacity for producing energy from waste; significantly scaling up photovoltaics that convert sunlight directly into energy; and convincing Réunion islanders to make certain lifestyle changes.

Does Reunion Island need economic support?

The development of biomass, particularly energy cane, is economically interesting. Solar and marine energy need political and/or economic support to be developed. Reunion Island, a French overseas region located in the Indian Ocean, is facing a three-fold challenge combining demographics, the environment and energy.

Is biomass a viable energy source for Reunion Island?

The development of biomass on Reunion Island is economically more viable. By 2030 in the transition scenarios, electricity from biomass has advantageously replaced electricity from coal and represents slightly more than 50% of electricity generation.

How did Reunion Island get its electricity?

Concluding discussion During the 1980s, Reunion Island's entire electricity supply came from renewable hydropower. As the population grew and quality of life improved, coal and oil were introduced to help meet increasing demand.

Can Reunion Island make its electricity 100% renewable?

Reunion Island's plan for making its electricity system 100% renewable involved a multi-fold process. This ambition was established in the law "Grenelle 1" No. 2009–967, whereby the French Ministry of Ecology mandated in April 2009 that all new constructions in overseas departments must install solar water heating.