Renewable energies in the French DOM-TOM : a study of the costs and benefits of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energies in the French Départements d’Outre Mer et Territoires d’Outre Mer

Abstract

The French Départements d’Outre Mer et Territoires d’Outre Mer (DOM-TOM) are not the most populous region of France. Nor are they the most prosperous, the most important, or even centers of industrial production. Rather, the DOM-TOM possessions have a unique value in French culture: they represent the past glory of the state and its people, and the courage that lead French explorers and settlers to roam the world. Unfortunately, the DOM-TOM represents an ever growing burden upon French taxpayers. Sun-drenched and wind-kissed, the DOM-TOM possesses an enormous potential to attain its energy needs from renewable sources. And yet, with electrical grids based upon fossil fuels imported from great distances, the French taxpayer is not only subsidizing an inefficient method of producing electricity, but also directly encouraging pollution in the form of Green House Gas emissions that are changing our environment.

In this paper I will analyze the political, economic, and environmental benefits to replacing fossil fuel power plants with renewable sources in the DOM-TOM, and will attempt to describe and evaluate the criteria that will influence decision-making. Finally, I will also attempt to develop recommendations and policies to encourage and support renewable energy systems in the DOM-TOM. In doing so I will present the potential costs and benefits of employing increased amounts of renewable energies. While few will argue the environmental merits of replacing fossil fuel power plants with renewable energy systems, a transition will not be made unless employment levels are maintained or expanded, costs to the state and its people reduced, and the long term benefits clearly explained.