The Energy Transition in French Polynesia

French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of France in the South Pacific, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, is comprised of 118 dispersed islands and atolls, spanning over more than 2,000 km. These islands are divided into five groups: the Society Islands, the Tuamotu Archipelago, the Gambier Islands, the Marquesas Islands, and the Austral Islands. Tahiti, home to the capital city Papeete, is the largest and most populous island, serving as the economic, cultural, and political center of French Polynesia. The region faces unique challenges related to energy transition and environmental sustainability. Being remote and reliant on imported fossil fuels for the majority of its energy needs, French Polynesia is actively seeking ways to increase its use of renewable energy sources. Solar energy, given the islands' tropical climate, is a key focus, along with potential for wind and ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) technologies. Its low-lying atolls are particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise, storm surges, and other climate-related impacts. The government and local communities are engaged in efforts to protect ecosystems, shorelines, and infrastructure, and to promote sustainable development practices that ensure the long-term resilience and well-being of its diverse island communities. As an overseas collectivity of France, French Polynesia benefits from French administrative support and investment, including in areas of health, education, and infrastructure development.