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.

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.

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.

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.

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.