Reunion Island Works Towards Attaining 100% Carbon Neutrality

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With the prices of fuel hitting the roof and the threat of global warming looming large, the French territory of Reunion Island has embarked on a mission to become completely carbon neutral. Their target is to generate 100 per cent of the island’s electricity through renewable sources by the year 2025 and by 2050 run its transportation completely on renewables.

Currently the island is using renewable energy to meet 36% of its power needs, but huge investments are being made to establish photo voltaic, wind and hydro projects on a large scale. Scientists are also exploring the possibility of using geothermal energy from volcanoes as well as ocean energy. The President of the area’s Regional Council, Paul Verges stated:

“We will be fighting 100 percent against CO2 at the same date that you (the G8 rich nations) will be at 50 percent”

That’s a lofty goal but the island will need to come up with innovative measures to counter the increase in population and energy consumption, to ensure that it progresses towards carbon neutrality as per schedule.