Where are photovoltaic power plants located in Réunion Island?

With a 36,8 MW installed capacity in 2021, Albioma is the leading producer of photovoltaics in Réunion Island. These photovoltaic power plants are all located in areas where there is no conflict of use, such as La Star, which was built on a landfill site that was still in operation.

How does albioma produce electricity in Réunion Island?

As the leading electricity supplier in Réunion Island, Albioma produces 46 % of the energy available in the grid by operating two thermal biomass power plants, a bioethanol combustion turbine and a large photovoltaic fleet.

How can a new energy system be made in Réunion?

This includes replacing sugar cane with different food crops; restricting urbanization; increasing the capacity for producing energy from waste; significantly scaling up photovoltaics that convert sunlight directly into energy; and convincing Réunion islanders to make certain lifestyle changes.

Is electricity self-sufficiency possible on Réunion?

Although electricity self-sufficiency on Réunion is theoretically possible, there are still a number of constraints imposed by factors such as nature, technology and economics. The island’s remote location and geographical features are serious challenges for starters.

Will switching to renewables solve Réunion's self-sufficiency problem?

Although laudable, switching to renewables will not solve the self-sufficiency problem. The renewable sources Réunion uses to generate electricity will still be mainly imported from abroad. “Forests will be cut in Canada to put in our furnaces in Réunion island,” says Mathieu David, who studies mechanics and energy at the University of La Réunion.

Why is Réunion so worried about energy imports?

Part of this concern stemmed from Réunion’s over-reliance on imports, including for energy, says Russeil, who is now at the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment in Paris.