“Terragen generates 15% of the electricity supplied to CEB’s network each year”

The power plant manager elaborated on Terragen’s initiatives and challenges in green energy production. He discussed the company’s motivation to include local wood chips in its energy strategy, emphasizing its importance in the transition to renewable energy. In addition, Jean Marc Iweins discussed the economic and environmental impact of the latest developments in biomass and explained Terragen’s strategic collaboration with the Central Electricity Board (CEB) to optimize the use of local resources.

What is Terragen’s main motivation for combining local wood chips with coal for green energy production? How does this move align with the national goal of achieving 60% renewable energy by 2030?

Terragen plays a key role in the Mauritian energy landscape, particularly in the production of renewable electricity from biomass. With our experience, we actively support the reduction of the carbon footprint associated with the use of fossil fuels. Our installation is a pioneer in renewable energy in Mauritius and has been partially using bagasse for nearly 25 years.

In 2015, we pioneered the introduction of harvested sugarcane straw into our boilers to reduce coal consumption. We continue to gradually replace coal with biomass and are working towards our future plans to support the government’s objectives. Supporting local biomass by maximising the use of available resources in Mauritius is of vital importance. The launch of the energy block based on local wood chips is perfectly in line with this approach.

What are the likely long-term economic impacts of reduced renewable energy generation, as reported by the Statistics Mauritius 2023?

The recent decline in renewable electricity production from bagasse is temporary and is mainly due to underinvestment in the sugarcane sector during the 2010s, the Covid-19 period, and recurring droughts over the past three years. Sugarcane production in 2024, as well as bagasse production, is expected to be much higher than in 2023: favorable weather conditions have stimulated cane growth, and rising sugar prices coupled with the National Biomass Framework (NBF) initiative have made it possible to partially renew old, low-yielding canes.

The energy transition is first and foremost an environmental issue and must therefore occupy a central position in public policies in all countries in order to effectively combat global warming. Financing the transition to renewable energy is a key issue, as the exit from fossil fuels requires significant investments and is often accompanied by higher electricity production costs.

How do these investments in biopower and biomass contribute to the energy transition?

Sugar producers have increased investment, particularly in the replanting of sugar cane and the development of sugar cane straw, while a new biomass industry such as local wood chips is emerging to power power plants. However, phasing out coal completely will require other sources of financing, and entering the European carbon credit market is a serious option worth exploring.

What other types of biomass do you plan to integrate in the future to maximize green energy production?

The work of the NBF, which is overseen by the Mauritius Sugar Cane Industry Authority (MCIA), brings together all public and private sector stakeholders involved in biomass energy. These constructive exchanges have made it possible to classify, quantify and locate the various sources of biomass available in the territory, in order to better understand their potential, establish sustainable development approaches and assess the financial support required to make the different sectors viable.

Recycling wood for energy purposes is a new opportunity; we are also looking at wood from new plantations dedicated to woodchip production. The sugarcane straw segment is partially developed and requires investment in fields and facilities to increase the amount of straw harvested and delivered to power plants.

Can you tell us more about your work with CEB on this green energy initiative and the regulations being put in place to promote the use of wood chips?

In 2021, we worked with CEB on a pilot program to generate electricity by burning 300 tons of local wood chips to assess the technical compatibility with our existing facilities. After these tests were successful, we proposed to CEB to move to the industrial phase of the project. We held discussions to determine the technical and commercial terms for integrating local wood chips with coal in our boilers. In May, these discussions culminated in the signing of an agreement in principle. At the same time, the authorities, through the National Forest Fund, are committed to promoting and structuring the energy sector based on local wood.

How will this initiative contribute to job creation and economic development in Mauritius? What are the main environmental and economic benefits expected?

Using local wood chips, and more broadly using local biomass for electricity generation, can reduce coal consumption in power plants, which is good for energy bills and the economy in the country’s currency. The shift also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil sources, which are a factor in global warming.

Before being introduced into our boilers in the form of wood chips, wood is collected, cut, transported, crushed, loaded onto trucks and finally delivered to the Terragen thermal power plant. Throughout the entire chain, dedicated personnel are essential to perform these operations efficiently and guarantee a continuous supply of fuel to the power plant.

What is Terragen’s current share of renewable energy production and how has this changed with the integration of woodchips?

The Terragen power plant contributes about 15% of the country’s annual electricity consumption to the CEB network. Of this, about 25% comes from the combustion of bagasse and sugarcane straw. Currently, Terragen receives 10 to 15 tons of wood chips several times a week, while the local wood industry is still in its infancy. The development and organization of this activity should make it possible to gradually increase the amount of wood supplied to the plant. Currently, wood chips are only mixed with coal. However, with appropriate investments, it would also be possible to integrate them with bagasse during the sugar season, which would significantly increase our ability to use wood chips in the production process.

Could you please tell us about the implementation of the Terragri eucalyptus planting pilot project and its impact on the environment?

Marginal land in the north of the island not used for agricultural purposes was chosen to trial growing eucalyptus trees for energy production. Once planted and mature, the wood is harvested, cut and converted into wood chips, which are then transported to thermal power plants. The remaining stumps will grow wood again after four to five years, making it a renewable resource, similar to the annual cycle of sugarcane cultivation.

What other innovations is Terragen considering to increase its sustainable energy production? How do you integrate sustainable development principles into your operations to maximize the positive impact on the Mauritian economy and environment?

Terragen power plants have received quality, safety and environmental certifications and we are constantly working to improve efficiency to increase the production of green electricity from biomass. For example, we have been working for several years to install bagasse dryers to reduce the moisture in the fibers, thereby increasing the efficiency of the boilers and thus the production of renewable electricity.

Eventually, when all local biomass industries are developed and green energy industries are fully utilized, our energy mix will have to integrate imported biomass to replace the remaining amount of coal consumed by power plants.