The French overseas department of Guadeloupe has developed a hydrogen roadmap in partnership with the European Investment Bank (EIB). Hydrogen presents a promising opportunity for the archipelago, which remains heavily reliant on hydrocarbons.
Following nine months of consultations and 24 technical meetings, Guadeloupe has unveiled its strategy. The territory could use hydrogen produced from renewable energy to store electricity, power generators during natural disasters, and support transport needs.
Several hydrogen-related projects have already been launched in the French Caribbean, particularly in collaboration with SARA (Société Anonyme de Raffinerie des Antilles). These include:
- MAGHIC: Offshore hydrogen production aboard an energy vessel, with onshore unloading, storage, and distribution facilities.
- JARHY: A hydrogen production and distribution pilot station in Guadeloupe, supplying two service vehicles.
- HYDROMOB: Low-carbon hydrogen generation in Martinique using fuel cells developed through the Cleargen project.
- CEOG: Perhaps the most emblematic project, the West Guiana Power Plant (Centrale Électrique de l’Ouest Guyanais) combines a 55-hectare solar farm with hydrogen-based energy storage. It is expected to come online in 2026.
In addition, Génergies is leading the HYGI (Hydrogen for Green Islands) project in Petit-Bourg, Guadeloupe. This involves deploying a 1.2 MW solar power plant and harvesting rainwater to produce hydrogen, which will then be supplied to a refuelling station.
According to Sylvie Vannouka, Chair of the Guadeloupe Regional Council’s Energy Commission, “Hydrogen is a cleaner, more local energy source that creates jobs.” Karen Cannenterre, who leads the EIB’s mission, adds: “Once the technology is deployed, it must be managed locally to generate employment. But to achieve that, we need funding. That’s why we’ve taken a 360-degree view in the study carried out with the region.”
Sources: Guadeloupe Énergie, RCI FM, LePige TV
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