In Mauritius, solar and wind are two of the most established renewable energy resources that can benefit of economies of scale, and are suited for local climatic conditions. However, the potential for solar (solar thermal and PV) and wind energies (farms and Distributed Energy Systems) have not been estimated to date for Mauritius. The single, most important reason for this is the lack of raw data that is required to undertake such estimations. Obviously, it would not be possible to develop a consistent and coherent Renewable Energy Policy if the potential of renewable energies could not be calculated.
The Mauritius Research Council (MRC), together with other stakeholders, has taken the lead to develop atlases of wind and solar energy resources for Mauritius. The first wind tower has already been deployed in the field. A later stage of this project will include 3D topographical modeling of wind energy resources.
Renewable Energy Policy
MRC, in conjunction with the main actors in the Energy Sector, has prepared a Synthesis Report on Renewable Energy that can be found online at http://www.mrc.org.mu/Projects/REReport.pdf. The recommendations culminated through broad discussions and consensus by participants to a two-day workshop – see presentations at http://www.mrc.org.mu/WREPresentations.htm. This document has been used as input, through UNDP, to the forthcoming Energy Policy for the Republic of Mauritius.
Seaweed Biomass
This research is still at its infancy, and it aims at developing a seaweed industry in Mauritius. However, the thrust will be on the production of bio-fertilizer from the sap of the seaweed, and the generation of electricity from the combustion of the remaining biomass. A number of studies are underway to test the hypothesis and the initial findings are indeed promising.
This research is still at its infancy, and it aims at developing a seaweed industry in Mauritius. However, the thrust will be on the production of bio-fertilizer from the sap of the seaweed, and the generation of electricity from the combustion of the remaining biomass. A number of studies are underway to test the hypothesis and the initial findings are indeed promising.
