The resumption of economic activity recorded in 2021 after the shock of the health crisis coincided with an increase of three points in the share of fossil fuels in the electricity production of Reunion Island., underlines the energy balance of Reunion Island recently presented by the Réunion Energy Observatory. Vice versa, the share of renewable energies fell to 28,2 %, due to the deficit of precipitation which affected hydroelectric production and the poor sugar season which generated less bagasse for the thermal power stations of Bois-Rouge and Gol. Despite the increase in electricity production by photovoltaic plants, consumption, up 3,8 %, was satisfied by a greater use of coal and heavy fuel oil. With two consequences : a further increase in Réunion’s energy dependence on the outside world (88,2 %), and a 7% increase in CO² emissions from the combustion of petroleum products and coal, at 4,271 kilotons. The only positive point highlighted by the Réunion Energy Observatory : the objectives of the multi-annual energy program were achieved in terms of reducing consumption through energy efficiency actions, particularly in the residential sector.
Energy assessment 2021 : the share of renewable energies has declined
