Can Reunion Island achieve energy autonomy by 2030?

Reunion Island, a French overseas region located in the Indian Ocean, is facing a three-fold challenge combining demographics, the environment and energy. To limit its heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels, Reunion Island aims to achieve energy autonomy by 2030 based on greater energy efficiency and renewable energy alternatives.

What is green energy revolution Reunion Island?

Until recently, Reunion Island had implemented the GERRI project , Green Energy Revolution Reunion Island. This economic and social development program centered on the sustainable development of Reunion Island and resulted from the “Grenelle Environment” French environment roundtables.

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.

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 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 geothermal energy be developed on Reunion Island?

Geothermal energy also presents significant potential for development, with an installed capacity of 30 MW; however, the main problem for this resource on Reunion Island is its location in a protected natural area.