What is La Réunion's energy strategy?

In March 2019, La Réunion's Regional Council revised and approved the island’s energy strategy, the Multiannual Energy Program (PPE) set up by the Energy Transition Law for Green Growth of August 2015, defining the island’s objectives in terms of energy production and management by 2023 and 2028.

How does La Réunion achieve energy autonomy?

Electricity is produced by coal for 36% and heavy fuel oil and diesel for 33%. To limit its heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels, La Réunion aims to achieve energy autonomy by 2030 based on greater energy efficiency and renewable energy alternatives (50% renewable electricity by 2020, and 100% by 2030).

How much energy does La Réunion use?

Like most overseas territories, La Réunion is heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels. Of the 1,491 thousand metric tons of oil equivalent of primary energy consumption in 2019, 1,305 thousand tons of oil equivalent were imported, 72% of which were oil and gas and 28% coal. Originating from South Africa, this coal is used to generate power.

Will switching to renewables solve Réunion's self-sufficiency problem?

Although laudable, switching to renewables will not solve the self-sufficiency problem. The renewable sources Réunion uses to generate electricity will still be mainly imported from abroad. “Forests will be cut in Canada to put in our furnaces in Réunion island,” says Mathieu David, who studies mechanics and energy at the University of La Réunion.

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.

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.