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The Aquaculture Master Plan was developed in 2007 to serve as a blueprint for sustainable aquaculture and the maintenance of a sound and safe environment. The main objectives of the Master Plan include identifying the strengths and weaknesses of aquaculture development in Mauritius; identifying the species of fish likely to be cultured; mapping aquaculture sites; and assessing the economic benefits of the sector in particular with respect to export markets. As at mid-2014, 20 sites had been earmarked by the Government for fish farming; out of the 6 sites allocated to 2 private operators, 3 are presently operational.

The objective of the Fisheries Master Plan was to develop a strategy for the whole sector. It sets out a ten-year strategic plan to be implemented over 2011-20, which includes: eco-labelling; aquaculture development and management policy; development of national fleet capacity; assessment of additional fish supplies for processing; a levy on marine users to support sustainable fisheries; and the establishment of a sustainable fisheries development fund.

(…) A new focus of energy policy is to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels by making greater use of renewable energy and utilizing energy resources in a much more efficient manner.

(…) Mauritius' dependence on imported fossil fuels, and its vulnerability to fluctuations in their prices, has recently galvanized the Government to make greater use of renewable energy and to utilize energy resources in a much more efficient manner. This policy change was first articulated in the Maurice Ile Durable Vision, announced by the Prime Minister in 2008, and set out in the Government's Long term Energy Strategy 2009 2025.

The Long-Term Energy Strategy 2009-2025 emphasizes the development of renewable energy, reduction of Mauritius' dependence on imported fossil fuels, and the promotion of energy efficiency in line with the Government's priority to promote sustainable development as embodied in the MID vision. Actions are set out in the strategy in order to: achieve the Government's target of 35% self-sufficiency in terms of electricity supply through the use of renewable sources of energy; ensure security of energy supply by diversifying the energy base and creating stocks; and meet demand in a consistent manner, ensuring security and reliability of supply at affordable prices. The strategy, inter alia, sets out institutional and regulatory reforms (including the enactment of the Energy Efficiency Act and the creation of a Utility Regulatory Authority (see above)); electricity sector reforms (including to encourage private sector participation in generation); energy efficiency actions; mandatory energy audits for industry; demand-side management; construction of sustainable buildings; energy efficiency measures in the tourism sector; product labelling and efficiency standards; and measures to encourage renewable energy.

The Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities is responsible for energy policy in Mauritius. Over the review period, legal and institutional changes affecting the energy sector were the proclamation of the Energy Efficiency Act in 2011 and 2012 and the establishment of an Energy Efficiency Management Office in 2011. The objective of the Energy Efficiency Act is to reduce energy use and costs, protect the environment, improve productivity, and help to mitigate the effects of climate change. It also provides for mandatory energy audits for businesses. The Efficiency Management Office's responsibilities, inter alia, are to manage energy efficiency programmes and monitor energy usage. The target is to achieve a 10% efficiency gain by 2025.

In general, the CEB (Central Electricity Board) generates around 45% of total electricity needs from thermal power stations and hydroelectric plants. The remainder is provided by independent power producers (IPPs) who mainly produce electricity from coal and bagasse. IPPs are required to sell their production to the CEB under power-purchase agreements. Under the Energy Strategy, to meet growing electricity demand, the Government will encourage the emergence of new producers and suppliers (including producers of biomass energy and energy from waste) while fully integrating the role of the sugar sector on the basis of financial and economic analyses. The new regulatory authority (see above) would be charged with ensuring a level playing field in relation to energy electricity generation by the CEB and IPPs.

With respect to developing renewable energy capacity, the main green energy projects being pursued or considered (including through public/private partnership agreements) are: (a) wind energy projects;(b) bagasse-based power plant projects; (c) developing the use of existing landfill gas for power generation; (d) the establishment of new hydro units;(e) solar photovoltaic PV projects; (f) the use of solar water heaters; and (g) the setting up of deep ocean water application systems. The Government is also studying geothermal potential as well as options for energy generation using biomass, biogas, and trigeneration (Table 4.4). (…)

Table 4.4 Targets for renewable energy, 2010-2025
Fuel source Percentage of total electricity generation
2010 2015 2020 2025
Renewable Bagasse 15 13 14 17
Hydro 4 3 3 2
Waste to energy 0 5 4 4
Wind 0 2 6 8
Solar PV 0 1 1 2
Sub-total 20 24 28 35

(…) Incentives offered to promote the use of green energy include subsidies for the purchase of solar water heaters (…)