Page 329 - Sustainable Cities and Communities Design Handbook

302 Sustainable Cities and Communities Design Handbook

distributed RE generation, and lower costs over time. As they encompass all the
fundamental building blocks of larger grids, autonomous grids offer a less
expensive alternative path for smart grid elaboration. In the same vein,
Mauritius can develop a phased planning strategy to facilitate the transition from
the existing grid infrastructure to the future smart grid through micro- and
minigrids, to enable seamless integration of RE, distributed energy, DSM, and
innovative pricing methodologies in the power network.

CONCLUSIONS

This chapter presents the current energy situation of Mauritius and the
technologies that have the potential to transform the island and achieve carbon
neutrality by the year 2050. In contrast with the existing government energy
plan, which is centered on partially decarbonizing the electricity sector
through the year 2025, we recommend a comprehensive approach that
encompasses energy-intensive transportation and cooling. A revised blueprint
would tap the abundant RE resources of the country for energy generation
along with energy efficiency and demand-side measures, including pricing.
Decarbonization of the transport sector figures high on this proposed plan.
Harnessing electricity generation from a diverse range of RE technologies that
are most suitable for Mauritius will underpin the energy transformation. We
expect that thermal, solar PV, onshore and offshore wind, and bagasse
gasification will lead the way in terms of deployment based on resource
availability and cost effectiveness. They will be backed by a combination of
less mature technologies with high potential for development, such as ocean
technologies, biofuels, and flexible generation and storage.
A precondition to the successful implementation of the energy transition is
the deployment of a smart grid to facilitate the integration of the various RE
technologies. The long-term 2050 horizon entails a range of uncertainties
in the planning process. Technological developments, economic growth,
government policies, and consumer response will affect the ways in which RE
technologies are actually deployed and thus the eventual energy mix. Sub-
stantial financial resources, in terms of investments and incentives as well as
extensive research, will be required to expand the role of renewables. More-
over, political resolve and public participation are prerequisites for the success
of the plan we envision. Extensive changes in the legal and regulatory land-
scape of the energy sector will also be required to support the growth of RE
technologies. Tremendous challenges lie ahead, and undoubtedly mistakes will
be made as part of the learning process. The economic, environmental, and
social impacts of fossil fuel exploitation mean that we are left with little choice
but to embrace this ambitious transition and move boldly toward a sustainable
future. Successful implementation in Mauritius will set a landmark for future
generations and lead the way for island states.