Energy Dependency: Can Mauritius Really Turn Its Back on Oil?

The current energy crisis acts as a brutal wake-up call. With every geopolitical tension and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, the entire Mauritian economy wobbles. Rising fuel prices, pressure on electricity, cascading inflation... The country’s dependence on fossil fuels is no longer just an observation, but a structural vulnerability.

Today, Mauritius imports most of its energy needs. Electricity still heavily relies on fossil sources, particularly heavy oil and coal, used to power the Central Electricity Board’s turbines. Transportation, in turn, is almost exclusively dependent on petroleum products. This dependency directly exposes the country to fluctuations in international markets over which it has no control.

Recent events in the Middle East provide a stark illustration. The surge in freight costs, combined with rising oil prices, has resulted in immediate pressure on public finances and parastatal organizations. The cost of heavy oil shipments, essential for electricity production, continues to rise, putting significant strain on the financial viability of the CEB.

Beyond the economic impact, the issue of energy security comes to the forefront. In an increasingly unstable world, continuing to rely heavily on fossil fuels means exposing oneself to repeated crises. With every external shock, Mauritius finds itself forced to absorb additional costs, with direct repercussions on businesses and households.

Sunil Dowarkasing: "Mauritius Can No Longer Depend on Fossil Fuels by 2026"

In this context of heavy energy dependence, energy expert Sunil Dowarkasing raises the alarm. According to him, the current crisis related to tensions in the Middle East will have a direct and lasting impact on the Mauritian economy.

He reminds us that nearly 46.7% of the country's energy production still relies on heavy oil and coal, a level of dependence he finds concerning. "It’s not today that we should sound the alarm to move towards renewable energy. With the crisis in the Middle East and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, we are facing a much more serious situation. Now that supply is no longer regular, the situation has become alarming. It is unacceptable to still be dependent on fossil fuels in 2026," he states.

Citing data from the latest audit report, he emphasizes the accumulated delay in the energy transition. "46.7% of our production depends on heavy oil, while only 16% is allocated to renewable energies. This is an excessive delay that demands urgent reflection today," he insists.

For the expert, this situation results from a lack of long-term vision. He believes that no government has truly implemented a structured, progressive, and transparent plan to support the transition to clean energy sources.

He also points out recent decisions related to maintaining certain coal plants. While the country had committed to gradually phasing out this energy source by 2030, the current situation seems to slow this objective. "Seeing that some Independent Power Producers continue to operate with coal is completely contradictory to the country’s vision," he denounces.

According to Sunil Dowarkasing, energy independence remains out of reach without strong political will. "Mauritius will not achieve true energy independence without the will to do so. This is the consequence of years of accumulated delays. The time is critical, and solutions are needed urgently," he emphasizes.

As uncertain days loom despite a stable supply, decisions regarding energy production may be announced starting Monday, April 6. While the specter of rising electricity tariffs hangs over, other preventive measures might be announced. The supervising minister will face the press to make announcements and assess the situation.

Countries Succeeding Without Relying on the Sun

The energy transition is not solely dependent on sunlight. Several countries, despite unfavorable climatic conditions, have managed to develop energy models largely based on renewables, thanks to strategic choices and targeted investments.

In Denmark, wind energy has become a central pillar of the energy mix. The country now produces more than half of its electricity from wind, particularly through offshore parks. This achievement has been made possible by a long-term vision and consistent support for green technologies. Norway, for its part, relies on its natural resources to produce nearly 90% of its electricity from hydropower, a model that significantly limits its dependence on fossil fuels.

In Germany, despite often cloudy weather, the energy transition has become a national priority. The country combines wind, solar, and biomass under its "Energiewende" policy, with massive investments over several decades. The UK has also focused on offshore wind to compensate for its lack of sunlight, now ranking among the global leaders in this field, with constantly expanding capacities.

In Sweden, the energy mix relies on hydropower and wind, supplemented by nuclear energy. This combination allows the country to maintain very low dependence on fossil fuels. Finally, Iceland represents a unique case.

Thanks to geothermal and hydropower, it produces nearly all of its electricity from renewable sources without relying on sunlight. The current crisis acts as a clarion call: without rapid transition, Mauritius will remain exposed to shocks beyond its control.