Clean Energy – Powering sustainable development

Why does clean energy matter?

According to the United Nations, energy consumption accounts for around 60% of the total global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, making it the highest contributor to climate change (1).

The burning of fuels, such as oil, coal and gas, contributes largely to the production of GHGs which trap the Sun’s heat in the atmosphere, eventually leading to global warming. With over 2 billion people still relying on these polluting fuels, we are far from meeting sustainable energy targets by 2030 (2).

Transitioning to clean, reliable and affordable energy is the way forward for fighting off the impending consequences of climate change, as well as increasing electricity access in remote communities.

The key driver behind global renewable energy adoption

Set up in 2009, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) aims to provide support and guidance to countries in their energy transition journey. Since its establishment, IRENA has also served as a portal to data and analyses on clean energy technology, innovation, policy, finance and investment.

Vouching for a ‘just and fair transition to clean energy for the benefit of the people and planet’ (3), IRENA reiterates that halving emissions by 2030 is rooted in electrification and efficiency – technological avenues which rely on renewables, hydrogen and sustainable biomass. However, timely progress can only be achieved with concerted international drive.

Mauritius: Small Island, Rising Concern

As a Small Island Developing State, Mauritius accounts for a negligible contribution to global GHG emissions, but it is no less vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Building resilience is key to the survival of Mauritius in the face of unprecedented climate-related challenges.

Through the Renewable Energy Transition Roadmap, the Government aims to achieve 60% of renewable energy within our electricity mix by 2030 (4), sustained by a decarbonisation pathway. Ultimately, the long-term strategies and policies will be conducive to making Green Energy a robust pillar of our economy.

Omnicane’s energy transition journey

Empowered by the Government’s Renewable Energy agenda, Omnicane takes a bold stance in upending its operations to reach the following objectives:

• Fully transitioning from coal to renewable energy sources within the power plants at La Baraque and St Aubin
• Consolidating the island’s energy security, while contributing to achieving the national renewable energy target of 60%
• Helping reduce the island's greenhouse gas emissions by 40%
• Preserving the long-term viability of the Mauritian sugarcane industry

Fully committed to our endeavour, we take it a step further by ensuring that our supply of biomass, local or imported, comes from a rich mix of traceable and sustainably certified energy sources.

Envisioning a sustainable future

No energy transition can be achieved alone, and Omnicane’s vision of improving life for future generations is a tangible target bolstered by existing infrastructure and technology, strategic regional partnerships and regulatory frameworks in place.

Unity among stakeholders, including government ministries and agencies, financiers and the community at large, is what will define our purpose in collectively overcoming climate change, for the benefit of people and the planet.

Sources:

(1&2) United Nations (2024) Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy. Sustainable Development Goals.

(3) International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) (2024) Energy transition outlook.

(4) Central Electricity Board (CEB) (2022) Renewable Energy Roadmap 2030 for the Electricity Sector.