Did you know? French Overseas Territories aim at being energy self-sufficient by 2030

Energy independence is key for the French Overseas Territories (DOM), which are forced to import significant amounts of fossil fuels in order to ensure energy supply. As an example, 80% of Guadeloupian electricity is generated from fossil sources whereas it represents only 2% in metropolitan France. Moreover, 65% of this final consumption is due to transport compared to 33% in metropolitan France. As set by the French energy transition law, 50% of the final consumption in these territories should come from renewable energy sources by 2020. These territories precisely have significant assets in this regard: solar, biomass, geothermic energy, ocean energy … Hydraulic energy and bagasse (biomass) already represent 30% of the energy production in the Reunion Island. The Overseas Territories now set up their own multiannual energy program, which constitutes roadmaps covering energy policies until 2018 and 2023. Considering the specificities of (energy) islands (little or no interconnections, rapid growth of RES and increase in electricity demand for some of them), one can expect that they will offer interesting examples and practices to metropolitan France on specific aspects, notably on smart grids. Moreover, renewable energies, energy efficiency and electric mobility based on low-carbon electricity have a key role to play in the fight against climate change. They could become key markets in the DOM, thus creating jobs and fostering innovation.