On May 6, 2026, Mauritian scholar Shaktee Ramtohul published an article in the Le Défi, stating that China has achieved outstanding results in the field of renewable energy and that its development experience is worth learning from. The full text is as follows:
The recent world order has seen a massive reorganisation and divergence. Nations such as the United States of America and Canada which thrived on trade and commerce are openly engaging in trade wars. The European Union and India struck a major trade deal and new alliances between nations are emerging in the midst of war chaos raged by the US and Israel on Iran. The fate of global oil supply and ultimately oil prices remain at the mercy of developments in the Strait of Hormuz while the world continues to feel the negative impacts of climate change. The disruption to global oil supply and price volatilities reignite the debate over the speed of transition to renewable energies.
While numerous economies around the world are battling cost of living crises (mainly due to increases in oil prices), China has been embarking on an electrification strategy for major industries, namely, cars, lorries, trains, thereby shifting its reliance away from fossil fuel. This strategy involves massive deployment of renewables (solar/wind), electric vehicles and grid technology to drive GDP growth and energy security.
In fact, China is demonstrating that decarbonisation can bring job creation, industrial upgrading and an improved quality of life. In 2024, the country invested $625 billion in clean energy, comfortably exceeding Europe ($426 billion), North America ($409 billion) and the rest of Asia-
Pacific combined ($291 billion). (Source: EMBER, International Society for Energy Transition studies, 2025).
Electric vehicles in China have taken centre stage and companies such as BYD are thriving both locally and on the international front. Charging for a period of approximately 10 minutes deliver a 400 km range with further research and development being undertaken to reduce the charging times and improve the distances.
MASSIVE INVESTMENTS
The International Energy Agency (IEA) stated that China's solar photovoltaic exports account for 80% of the global market. This result emanates from massive investments and an early prioritisation strategy. The adoption of vertically integrated supply chain implies that it does not need to rely on other countries for components. Large manufacturing units further lowers the cost through economies of scale. China's trains, primarily, modern passenger lines run on electricity often powered by renewable sources such as wind and solar. By using technologies such as big data, drones, cloud computing and intelligent equipment, it has been able to build a smart maintenance platform.
As the global energy landscape becomes increasingly volatile considering the current conflicts in the middle east and while much of the world remains exposed to oil supply shocks, China continues to accelerate its transition towards an electrified economy, powered by renewable sources and for the past decade, it has been systematically reducing its dependence on oil.
We have to admit that electricity generated from solar or wind is not subject to the same geopolitical bottlenecks as oil shipments through contested waterways. Electrification is proving to be a hedge against uncertainties. Countries that remain heavily dependent on oil are exposed to price volatility, supply disruptions and currency pressures. The brunt of these risks has been felt in Mauritius with the recent increases in fuel prices. China's investment in electrification and renewable energy sources can be viewed as a form of economic insurance.
The current turmoil on the geopolitical front is a reminder that energy transitions cannot be reactive but proactive. The Chinese model of electrification offers several takeaways. Focusing on electric vehicles alone is insufficient as the real impact happens when the entire transport sector, energy generation and infrastructure are electrified together. Electrification reduces emissions and
reduces the dependence on imported fuel. Aggressive investment strategies can result in cost reduction combined with the use of technology. Having the right network is the backbone of a successful electrification strategy such as charging networks, grid upgrades, and storage solutions.
ELECTRIFICATION IS ABOUT RESILIENCE AND ECONOMIC STABILITY
China’s electrification strategy succeeds the question as to whether other nations can replicate the model. While the Chinese model cannot be replicated in its entirety, political systems should open the doors for planning, investment and execution of renewable energy sources and electrification. For countries such as Mauritius, the opportunity is compelling.We stand at a major turning point in history. If oil supply disruptions become more frequent due to conflict, trade tensions or climate related issues, the case for electrification will strengthen further.
In any case, the world is being presented with two choices; continue operating in a system which is vulnerable to external shocks or transition towards a more resilient, electrified economic model. The lesson is not that every country should replicate China exactly, but the direction is clear that electrification is about resilience and economic stability. As the world continues to grapple with conflicts, reminding us of the fragilities of the oil market, the countries that move faster towards electrification and renewable energy sources may not only lead the energy transition but also define the next era of global economic superpowers.