What is green energy revolution Reunion Island?

Until recently, Reunion Island had implemented the GERRI project , Green Energy Revolution Reunion Island. This economic and social development program centered on the sustainable development of Reunion Island and resulted from the “Grenelle Environment” French environment roundtables.

Can geothermal energy be developed on Reunion Island?

Geothermal energy also presents significant potential for development, with an installed capacity of 30 MW; however, the main problem for this resource on Reunion Island is its location in a protected natural area.

Can a sodium-sulfur battery be used on Reunion Island?

The sodium-sulfur battery Nas, with a capacity of 1 MW was installed in St. Andrew, a city in the northeast of Reunion Island. This experiment will enable to smooth the load curve and slightly relax the 30% network rule . The development of biomass on Reunion Island is economically more viable.

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.

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.