popular articles

Green Energy in Overseas France: Challenges and Prospects for 2030

According to the French Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE), achieving energy autonomy in the French overseas territories by 2030 is a major challenge, and requires a tailored territorial approach.
Transition énergétique Outre-Mer

Please share:

According to the French Economic, Social and Environmental Council (Conseil économique, social et environnemental – Cese), the energy transition of the French overseas territories towards self-sufficiency by 2030 is an ambitious but challenging objective. The 2015 Energy Transition Act sets crucial milestones, but implementation remains a complex and multifactorial undertaking.

Challenges and recommendations

The challenges of this transition are many and varied. They include current dependence on fossil fuels, disparities in the energy mix between the various overseas regions, and the geographical and economic constraints specific to each territory. In its report, Cese makes fifteen recommendations designed to overcome these obstacles. These include the need to localize energy policy, adapt actions to local circumstances and actively involve the population in the transition process.

Transition Strategies

The energy transition in the French overseas territories is based on a number of strategic priorities, and follows in the footsteps of measures taken in mainland France. First of all, it’s essential to convert thermal power plants, mainly fuelled by coal and fuel oil, to renewable energy sources such as biomass and biofuels. By way of example, Guadeloupe – in a bid to become energy self-sufficient – wants to double its electricity production from geothermal energy. This transition will gradually reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels and promote more sustainable, self-sufficient energy production. However, Cese also stresses the importance of developing locally-produced renewable energies, in order to guarantee genuine energy autonomy in the long term. The massive use of biomass, largely imported from France, has been criticized by environmental associations for its impact on local ecosystems and the associated logistical costs. Thus, harnessing the energy resources specific to each overseas territory, such as solar, wind and hydro power, is essential to guarantee the sustainability and resilience of the energy system.

Social and economic implications

In addition to the technical and environmental aspects, the energy transition in the French overseas territories also has significant social and economic implications. Indeed, many people living in the French overseas territories are faced with energy insecurity, due to their insularity, geographical remoteness and lack of resources. To remedy this situation, Cese recommends a number of measures, such as the introduction of energy vouchers for low-income households and the promotion of energy renovation in social housing. In addition, to foster local economic development and stimulate innovation in the renewable energies sector, the report recommends the creation of an investment fund dedicated to green energies. These measures are designed to ensure an inclusive and equitable energy transition, while stimulating economic growth and creating sustainable jobs in the French overseas territories.

All things being equal, the energy transition in the French overseas territories undoubtedly represents a major challenge. Nevertheless, this quest for autonomy also represents an opportunity for sustainable development. A territorial approach, concerted action and citizen participation are essential if we are to achieve the ambitious targets set by the 2015 law.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

A project supported by the UNDP and the European Union aims to reduce energy losses and modernize Kazakhstan's electric infrastructure, the largest greenhouse gas emitter in Central Asia.
Donald Trump's proposal to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico risks disrupting supply chains and increasing costs for American businesses and consumers.
Donald Trump's proposal to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico risks disrupting supply chains and increasing costs for American businesses and consumers.
Reforms aimed at accelerating energy permits have been excluded from the U.S. budget bill, postponing discussions to a Republican-led Congress that plans more ambitious changes.
Reforms aimed at accelerating energy permits have been excluded from the U.S. budget bill, postponing discussions to a Republican-led Congress that plans more ambitious changes.
The U.S. Supreme Court reviews the fuel industry’s challenge against California’s exclusive right to impose electric vehicle sales targets, a key issue for national emission standards.
The U.S. Supreme Court reviews the fuel industry’s challenge against California’s exclusive right to impose electric vehicle sales targets, a key issue for national emission standards.
Japan plans to reduce its reliance on thermal energy to 30%-40% by fiscal year 2040-2041 while significantly increasing renewable energy, according to a draft Strategic Energy Plan.
In response to climate pressures, the Biden administration proposes limiting public support for oil and gas projects abroad. An initiative that could redefine global energy policy.
In response to climate pressures, the Biden administration proposes limiting public support for oil and gas projects abroad. An initiative that could redefine global energy policy.
Niger has received a 20 MW diesel power plant as a strategic donation from Morocco. This project aims to strengthen local production in a context marked by high dependency on Nigeria for energy supply.
Niger has received a 20 MW diesel power plant as a strategic donation from Morocco. This project aims to strengthen local production in a context marked by high dependency on Nigeria for energy supply.
The Zawiya refinery, essential for fuel supply in Libya, has suspended its activities after armed clashes caused significant fires and sparked a local crisis.
The Zawiya refinery, essential for fuel supply in Libya, has suspended its activities after armed clashes caused significant fires and sparked a local crisis.
Despite corruption charges against Gautam Adani, CEO of the eponymous conglomerate, Sri Lanka confirms the continuation of the strategic Colombo container terminal project, vital for its struggling economy.
Faced with the threat of Russian gas cuts, Moldova is enacting a 60-day state of emergency to safeguard its energy security and prevent a humanitarian crisis during one of the most critical winters for its energy independence.
Faced with the threat of Russian gas cuts, Moldova is enacting a 60-day state of emergency to safeguard its energy security and prevent a humanitarian crisis during one of the most critical winters for its energy independence.
Electricity prices in Estonia fell by 9.6% in November, averaging €82.56/MWh, driven by increased wind energy production and higher-than-average temperatures.
Electricity prices in Estonia fell by 9.6% in November, averaging €82.56/MWh, driven by increased wind energy production and higher-than-average temperatures.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox proposes an ambitious budget to double energy production within ten years, focusing on nuclear and geothermal energy, contrasting with federal priorities on solar energy.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox proposes an ambitious budget to double energy production within ten years, focusing on nuclear and geothermal energy, contrasting with federal priorities on solar energy.
Energy prices in Europe far exceed those in the United States and China, putting the manufacturing industry at a disadvantage. An urgent review of energy and industrial policies is needed to safeguard European competitiveness.
SSE Transmission submits an ambitious plan to Ofgem, aiming for £22 billion in investments to support energy transition, create thousands of jobs, and strengthen Scotland's electricity infrastructure.
SSE Transmission submits an ambitious plan to Ofgem, aiming for £22 billion in investments to support energy transition, create thousands of jobs, and strengthen Scotland's electricity infrastructure.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam offers hope for Ethiopia's energy needs and challenges for Egypt and Sudan's water security. Collaborative management is crucial to prevent crises in the Nile Basin.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam offers hope for Ethiopia's energy needs and challenges for Egypt and Sudan's water security. Collaborative management is crucial to prevent crises in the Nile Basin.
China accelerates reforms for a unified electricity market, but local trade barriers limit the transmission of renewable energy from remote regions to high-demand urban centers.
China accelerates reforms for a unified electricity market, but local trade barriers limit the transmission of renewable energy from remote regions to high-demand urban centers.
The International Monetary Fund announced an agreement with Ecuador on the first review of its economic aid program, paving the way for a $500 million disbursement amid an energy and economic crisis.
The former nuclear leader Areva settles a €4.8 million fine in a corruption case in Mongolia from 2013 to 2017, thus avoiding legal prosecution. An investigation reveals controversial payments through intermediaries.
The former nuclear leader Areva settles a €4.8 million fine in a corruption case in Mongolia from 2013 to 2017, thus avoiding legal prosecution. An investigation reveals controversial payments through intermediaries.
India has called on the International Court of Justice to uphold the current UN climate framework, sparking tensions with small island states advocating for stricter measures.
India has called on the International Court of Justice to uphold the current UN climate framework, sparking tensions with small island states advocating for stricter measures.
A criminal network embezzled €27 million through MaPrimeRénov’, a French public aid program for energy-efficient home renovations. Investigations reveal fraudulent practices targeting the most vulnerable households.
A criminal network embezzled €27 million through MaPrimeRénov’, a French public aid program for energy-efficient home renovations. Investigations reveal fraudulent practices targeting the most vulnerable households.
At the Green Initiative Forum in Riyadh, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman called net zero scenarios unachievable, asserting that energy security must take precedence in global discussions on sustainability and affordability.
The U.S. Treasury announces imminent guidelines for the 45Z tax credit, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and boosting investments in biofuels, despite inter-agency tensions.
The U.S. Treasury announces imminent guidelines for the 45Z tax credit, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and boosting investments in biofuels, despite inter-agency tensions.
Despite a major political crisis, South Korean refineries ensure the continuity of oil exports to Asia-Oceania, while union strikes could temporarily disrupt local distribution.
Despite a major political crisis, South Korean refineries ensure the continuity of oil exports to Asia-Oceania, while union strikes could temporarily disrupt local distribution.
The South Holland power grid has reached a critical point. Large companies and institutions are now on a waiting list, as operators explore temporary solutions and plan major investments for the future.
The South Holland power grid has reached a critical point. Large companies and institutions are now on a waiting list, as operators explore temporary solutions and plan major investments for the future.

Advertising