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.

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.

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.

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.

Will Reunionese electricity production double from 2008 to 2030?

In the business as usual scenario, Reunionese electricity production doubles from 2008 to 2030, in particular based on the development of coal and the share of renewables stabilizes at around 35% by 2030.

Is electricity self-sufficiency possible on Réunion?

Although electricity self-sufficiency on Réunion is theoretically possible, there are still a number of constraints imposed by factors such as nature, technology and economics. The island’s remote location and geographical features are serious challenges for starters.