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

摘要

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 representthe past glory of the state and its people, and the courage that lead French explorersand 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 enormouspotential to attain its energy needs from renewable sources. And yet, with electricalgrids based upon fossil fuels imported from great distances, the French taxpayer isnot only subsidizing an inefficient method of producing electricity, but also directlyencouraging pollution in the form of Green House Gas emissions that are changingour 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 influencedecision-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 increasedamounts of renewable energies. While few will argue the environmental merits ofreplacing fossil fuel power plants with renewable energy systems, a transition will not be made unless employment levels are maintained or expanded, costs to thestate and its people reduced, and the long term benefits clearly explained.