Local businesses play a significant role in Reunion Island’s renewable energy initiatives, with companies like Reuniwatt and Albioma leading the way in innovation and implementation. A recent article in pv magazine highlights their contributions. You can find the article in the pv magazine Photovoltaic markets and technologies 07 & 08 2024 edition, pp. 46-77.
Transforming the Electricity Grid in Reunion
Reunion Island has emerged as a pioneer in renewable energy adoption and innovation. With a goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2030, the island has made significant strides in harnessing its abundant solar resources and implementing cutting-edge technologies. The island’s unique geographical and climatic conditions have made it an ideal testing ground for various renewable energy technologies, including solar water heaters, agrivoltaics, and energy storage systems. Advanced forecasting solutions have been playing a crucial role in this transition allowing to manage the intermittency of renewable energy sources. By providing accurate predictions of solar irradiance, Reuniwatt helps energy producers and grid operators better plan and optimize the integration of solar energy into the island’s electricity mix.
Innovation at the Forefront
Innovation has been key to integrating renewable energies into Reunion’s electricity grid. However, the necessity for further progress and the vulnerability of the island became clear when looking at its energy import dependency rate, which reached 85.8% in 2022. Nevertheless, the island’s people are highly motivated and want to take further steps toward a sustainable and responsible primary energy supply from renewable resources. Reunion was one of the first territories to implement large-scale solar projects and deploy centralized battery storage systems. The island’s commitment to innovation is further exemplified by its early adoption of agrivoltaics, combining solar energy production with agriculture. These advancements have not only helped Reunion progress towards its renewable energy goals but have also positioned the island as a model for other small and remote islands seeking to transition to sustainable energy systems.