News facts
Mauritius, a beautiful island nation in the Indian Ocean, is facing a dual challenge: a lack of recycling and a heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. The island’s only landfill, Mare Chicose, is nearing saturation, and over 80% of the country’s energy comes from fossil fuel imports. But where some see waste, Mauritius sees opportunity.
Facing the mounting challenge of solid waste disposal and a growing demand for clean energy, the country will soon be producing biogas from waste. This initiative is championed by the Solid Waste Management Division (SWMD) of the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change of Mauritius). Concession agreements for two integrated waste processing facilities with the capacity to treat over 250,000 tons of waste annually have been signed and a waste sorting system is in development
The country is also planning to break ground on its first large-scale biogas plant—a project that aims to transform organic waste into renewable energy and compost in the near future. The planned biogas plant is a shining example of how innovation and collaboration can fuel the island nation’s green transition: it not only tackles the growing waste burden but also offers a practical step toward energy independence and climate resilience.
A Circular Economy Approach for Island Resilience
The concept is simple but powerful: collect food and yard waste from households, hotels and markets, use anaerobic digestion to produce biogas, and convert that gas into electricity. The by-products? Compost and organic fertilizer for local agriculture. It’s a model that embodies the circular economy, in order to reduce waste, recover resources, and create value across sectors.
With limited land and high logistical costs, many SIDS struggle with the linear "produce-use-dispose" waste model. Mauritius is flipping the script. The island is embracing a more sustainable and economically sound path by recognizing organic waste as a resource.
Power from Waste: What the Numbers Say
Based on data from a CTCN-supported feasibility study, the plant is designed to process 100 tons of organic waste per day—around 30,000 tons per year. This volume of waste has the potential to generate enough biogas to produce approximately 1.5 to 2 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity daily.
That is sufficient to power between 1,000 to 1,500 households, depending on energy consumption patterns. The plant will also produce valuable by-products like compost and liquid fertilizer, helping close the nutrient loop in agriculture and reducing reliance on chemical inputs.
Proving the Case: Technical and Financial Viability
This shift has been made possible through technical assistance from the UN Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), in collaboration with South Africa’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and the University of Mauritius. The partnership mapped waste flows, analyzed potential feedstocks like food waste and animal manure, and identified the most suitable technology and locations for the plant.
"This is a great example of South-South collaboration. Our South African network member CSIR brought in cutting-edge technical knowledge on anaerobic digestion and collaborated with the University of Mauritius, which has a deep understanding of the local waste management landscape,“ said Valentin Rudloff, Climate Technology Specialist at the UN CTCN.
A comprehensive feasibility study confirmed that the project is not just technically sound but also financially viable—provided there is enough quality feedstock and the right partnerships in place. A public-private partnership model has been proposed, with government securing waste inputs and private operators handling the plant's design, construction, and operation.
But Technology Alone Won’t Cut It
One critical finding: the success of the plant hinges on citizen behavior. Without proper waste separation at the source, the plant won’t receive the quality or quantity of organic material it needs to operate efficiently. Changing how people think about and handle waste is therefore central to the project’s success.
“The more the citizens are willing to sort their trash, the better the quality and volume of organic wastes to reach the composting and anaerobic digestion plants. Hence, the viability of the project somehow lies in the hands of the people,” said Dr. Pooja Shamachurn, Project Officer at the SWMD.
To that end, the government will launch a public awareness campaigns and consider policy incentives to encourage households and businesses to separate organic from general waste.
Laying the Groundwork for the future
With feasibility confirmed and funding supported by the EU, the project will transition into the procurement phase. A Design-Build-Operate-Transfer (DBOT) model will guide its implementation, with construction expected once the waste processing facilities are up and running.
"We’ve reached an exciting milestone: Backed by a sound feasibility report and a request for proposal for a Design Build Operate and Transfer project, supported by EU funding, we will seek a private partner to bring this long-anticipated project to life!” said Mr. Ganesh Dookee, Deputy Director at the SWMD. “The groundwork has been extensive, but as they say, the proof is in the pudding. We’re confident that our in-depth analysis will lay the foundation for a truly impactful and successful initiative."
A Model for Island Nations Everywhere
Mauritius’s biogas project is more than an infrastructure upgrade—it’s a systems change. It demonstrates how small nations can lead on big issues by combining local action with international support, community engagement, and smart investment.
As the world searches for scalable climate solutions, this small island’s journey toward circularity could serve as a model for many others navigating the challenges of waste, energy, and sustainable development.