Renewable energy: Slowly but surely

The renewable energy sector is fast expanding in Mauritius thanks to increased awareness about the need to save energy, to switch to cleaner energy and to protect our environment. This sector also presents numerous opportunities for investment. The energy sector provides many investment opportunities to small and large entrepreneurs alike. The government is attracting both foreign and local investors to set up wind farms and solar farms locally. French firm Quadran, in partnership with the Sugar Investment Trust, operates a wind farm at Plaine des Roches. Its 11 wind turbines have a capacity of 9.35 megawatts each, equivalent to the consumption of more than 10,000 homes. Sarako operates a solar farm in Bambous. It has a capacity of 15 megawatts. In Mare Chicose, Sotravic is producing energy from waste turned into gas. Sotravic is also working on a project to use deep sea water for air conditioning of buildings in the capital. The energy sector also opens up opportunities for the manufacturing sector as the production and assembly of equipment is a niche area. Most renewable energy comes either directly or indirectly from the sun. Sunlight, or solar energy, can be used directly for heating and lighting homes and other buildings, for generating electricity, and for hot water heating, solar cooling, and a variety of commercial and industrial uses. Nowadays, we even have solar appliances for everyday use. Solar bikes, solar cars and even solar trains are now a reality. Solar energy is driving entrepreneurs to innovate and bring out new products. However, this requires tremendous research and development. The Mauritius Research Council (MRC) conducts various types of research, including renewable energy.

Biofuels

A study has been completed on the use of coconut oil and waste vegetable oil as substitutes for diesel oil. Both short-term (i.e. emissions tests) and long-term (i.e. engine wear & tear) were carried out. There are several organisations (including a prominent hotel resort) and individuals who are already using waste vegetable oil as an alternative liquid fuel in Mauritius. MRC intends to use its scientific results to further promote the recycling of waste vegetable oil as a biofuel, with immediate target groups being hospitals and hotels. The MRC has also been working in close collaboration with the Outer Islands Development Corporation (OIDC) to investigate the alternative use of coconut oil as a biofuel to generate electricity. Projects are in the pipeline to (1) generate electricity using various mixtures of coconut oil/diesel, and (2) production of biodiesel from coconut oil. These projects fall under the umbrella project ‘Energy Self-Sufficiency of Agalega – Biofuels and Solar Energy’. Another source of renewable energy is the Jatropha. The MRC has carried out an economic feasibility study of Jatropha biofuel on two scenario: (1) the cultivation of Jatropha on marginal lands for biodiesel production; and (2) the importation of raw materials (vegetable oil and/or Jatropha seeds for biodiesel production.

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"17787","attributes":{"class":"media-image wp-image-30222 alignleft","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","width":"242","height":"163","alt":"Seaweed Biomass"}}]]Seaweed Biomass

Mauritius has the potential to develop a seaweed industry. However, the thrust will be on the production of bio-fertiliser 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.

Toxic detergents?

The Association for the Protection of the Environment and Consumers (APEC) warns that the use of detergents, whether to wash dishes or clothes, could be a potential health hazard. APEC says some detergents may have a high level of toxicity. In many cases in Mauritius, frequent use of detergents has caused skin problems necessitating dermatological care. Such detergents are a threat, especially to children, claims the association. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"17786","attributes":{"class":"media-image wp-image-30221 alignleft","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","width":"312","height":"249","alt":"detergents"}}]]It quotes a study carried out in the United States and published in the Pediatrics Journal which has been reproduced by the Times of India recently. The study reveals that children exposed to such chemical products risk having health issues such as respiratory problems or cardiac problems. In Mauritius, there are a few factories that produce detergents. However, the description of ingredients is not always clearly defined on the label, neither the health and other risks. APEC also warns that many individuals have ‘backyard production units’ and sell these products across the island. Such products may be harmful. In the light of such risks, the consumer watchdog is asking the Ministry of Health to take prompt action. APEC highlights extracts of the above report: “Children exposed to chemicals used in liquid laundry detergents packets may have serious health effects such as breathing problems, heart problems and even death, warns a study. “The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, found that from January 2013 to December 2014, poison control centres in the US received 62,254 calls related to laundry and dishwasher detergent exposures among children younger than six years old.” Incidents related to laundry detergents packets saw the biggest rise – increasing 17 percent over the two-year study period. Poison control centres in the US received more than 30 calls a day about children who had been exposed to a laundry detergent packet, which is about one call every 45 minutes. At least one child a day was admitted to the hospital due to a laundry detergent packet exposure.” “In addition, the study also saw two child deaths which were associated with exposure to liquid laundry detergent packets.” APEC appeals to Health Minister Anil Gayan to take necessary measures to ensure protection of users and also to force producers to comply with norms and legal provisions, especially with regards to labeling contents and precautions required.

Energy saving While the onus is more and more on green energy production, we tend to forget that the use of fossil fuels can also be cut down through energy saving. In a recent past, the authorities encouraged households to buy energy saving bulbs at concessionary rate. However, there has not been any major initiative since then. Energy efficiency should be a major priority. The process of educating citizens on the importance of energy efficiency should be a continuous exercise. On the other hand, there are countless examples of energy wastage around us. For example, many school buildings could be seen fully lighted up at night when it is not necessary to do so Similarly, we often notice many advertising billboards lit up at night when the roads are almost desert. Many car showrooms around the island are fully lit up at night, wasting energy. It is the duty of the authorities to tackle such irresponsible use of energy.

Evolution of energy demand

The latest available official figures are from 2014 and show that energy demand peaked at 446.2 MW. A total of 2,937 GWh of electricity was produced in 2014, of which only 20% was from renewable sources, including bagasse. Between 2013 and 2014, the total volume of electricity produced rose from 2,885 GWh to 2,937 GWh. The volume produced from coal increased by 1,214 GWh to 1,259 GWh, or 3.7%. Diesel has contributed to the production of 1,076 GWh in 2013 and 1,079 GWh in 2014. Regarding renewable sources, production increased slightly from 594 GWh in 2013 to reach 596 GWh the following year. While electricity production from photovoltaic panels has increased ninefold, from 2.7 GWh to 24.6 GWh, hydroelectric production fell by 4.2%, from 94.8 GWh to 90.8 GWh. Wind energy also decreased from 2013 to 2014, from 3.6 GWh to 3.2 GWh. also lower production from bagasse, from 473 GWh to 456 GWh. Note that bagasse produced 550 GWh of electricity in 2010 and 498 GWh in 2011. The decrease is due to a gradual reduction of the area under cultivation of sugar cane, causing a reduction in the volume of bagasse available for energy production. This trend will increase with the advent of Smart Cities as this will result in the accelerated conversion of agricultural land. However, this will be offset by greater production of green energy in the new cities.

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"17785","attributes":{"class":"media-image wp-image-30220 alignleft","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","width":"174","height":"215","alt":"Frankie Tang"}}]]Frankie Tang: “Boost the energy sector with new measures”

Frankie Tang, economist, has proposed a series of measures for the renewable energy sector in the wake of the forthcoming Budget. “This important sector has a slow kick off because of the lack of incentives to the general public. I hope the next Budget unveils some interesting measures to encourage people to turn to renewable energy. Investment in large scale energy generation will help solve future energy crisis. On the other hand, many Mauritian households are also generating their own electricity to reduce their monthly bill by installing solar panels on their rooftops,” he explains. However, he adds, many people are reluctant to install solar panels on their homes because the investment cost is high while the benefits small. To encourage them, we need extraordinary measures,” he says.

Some proposals

• Remove VAT on renewable energy equipment (solar panels, etc.)
• Tax deduction equivalent to the amount of investment, with the possibility of carrying over five years maximum
• Encourage the assembly of equipment in Mauritius by attracting local entrepreneurs but also foreign investors
• Train technicians to ensure qualified maintenance staff
• Offer grants to places of worship and NGOs to go solar
• Make the installation of solar panels mandatory for all new constructions, residential or other, exceeding 200 square metres, as a condition for the issue of Building and Land Use Permit
• Provide BLP fee exemption for houses and building incorporating major green design
• Amend the ‘Morcellement Guidelines’ and other plans such as ‘Property Development Scheme’ to make partial use of solar energy compulsory
• Create ‘Energy Clubs’ in schools to educate young people about the importance of renewable energy
• Equip new residential projects of NHDC and MHC with solar panels
• Continue with the subsidy system for solar water heaters
• Invest in research and development
• Install solar panels on public buildings, schools, hospitals, etc
• Provide permanent residence or citizenship to foreign investors who set up large scale projects in this sector