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How is electricity produced on the islands (ZNI)?
Mis à jour le
March 6, 2026
5
Min reading
France has several territories around the world, which are very different from each other in terms of energy sources. French energy policy is defined by strong solidarity.
To illustrate, with respect to the TURPE (Tariff for the Use of Public Electricity Networks), the costs of the electrical networks are all shared, between the metropolitan territory and those overseas. That's what we call tariff equalisation.
However, the costs of generating electricity and using networks are not the same. These territories are called Non-Interconnected Zones and we will see how their climatic and geographical characteristics impact their energy systems.
What is a Non-Interconnected Zone (NZ)?
Non-Interconnected Zone (ZNI) - Definition
Non-interconnected areas (ZNI) are French territories not linked to Continental metropolitan power grid. These territories are as follows:
- Corsica;
- Overseas regions: Guadeloupe, Réunion, Mayotte;
- Local authorities: Martinique, French Guiana, Saint-Martin, Saint-Barthélemy;
- Certain overseas communities: Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Wallis and Futuna in particular;
- The islands of Ponant: the islands of Sein, Molène, Ouessant and Chausey.
Source: CRE
Note that French Polynesia and New Caledonia have another status and are therefore not ZNI.
In these territories, the cost of generating electricity is often more expensive than in mainland France, but it can vary significantly from one island to another. In addition, these territories lack interconnections, which is increasing The voltage on the electrical network.
Very often, the small size of electrical systems requires the use of technological solutions that emit CO2 (coal, generators...). This is the reason why these territories have special regulations.
The ZNI: a proof of national solidarity in the field of electricity
Tariff equalisation ensures equality of costs paid for the use of networks between customers, regardless of their geographic location. This is one of the principles that structure TURPE.
These are the public energy service charges (CSPE) that make up for the difference in costs between regions.
Beyond these pricing characteristics, these various territories can, thanks to European regulations, free themselves from certain rules. They can thus create a specific regulatory framework that is specific to them. In the law, these territories can be considered as” small isolated networks ” and thus avoid the rule of dissociation of network operators from integrated electricity companies (In France, ENEDIS is separated from EDF).
What energy transition for the ZNI?
The place of fossil fuels in ZNI
Currently, ZNI are important imports of fossil fuels to supply the various consumption sites and their customers.
As with any electrical system, these small grids need to balance supply and demand in real time.
Generally, advanced technologies, i.e. those that can meet significant demand quickly, are often of fossil origin (like oil turbines that do not require wind or sun). This can compensate for the island production defects that may occur in these territories.
The ZNI are therefore for the most part dependent on gasses, imported coal and fuel oil, more than in mainland France where the nuclear technology is in the majority.
The energy transition is therefore an important issue for these islands, which are the most exposed to the effects of global warming.
The development of low-carbon solutions in ZNI
The challenge of the energy transition is therefore significant. These territories sometimes have interesting potential in terms ofrenewables, and that would allow them to increase their energy autonomy.
The law on energy transition (no. 2015-992 of 17 August 2015) established a PPE (Multiannual Energy Programming) specific to each ZNI.
Multiannual energy programming is a real roadmap for investments and the energy landscape of tomorrow. It is a Tool of steering which is described by the Government as follows:
“It is a document that expresses the orientations and priorities of action of the public authorities for the management of all forms of energy in continental metropolitan areas, in order to achieve the objectives of energy policy”
If one studies The PPE of French Guiana for example, you can find the following items:
- The installation of an additional 20 MW of guaranteed power in the West by 2023.
- The launch of experimental actions for rural electrification (self-consumption, storage, etc.) and calls for tenders to encourage the development of local electrification solutions using renewable energies in Maripasoula, Grand Santi, Grand Santi, Régina and Papaïchton.
In each of these PEPs, it is a question of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as well as of developing electric public vehicles and self-consumption.
The lack of interconnection and storage solutions calls into question 100% renewable energy strategies in these territories. At the price of certain societal and energy production compromises, the 100% renewable energy scenario is feasible, as shown by the various PEPs.
Source: ADEME
On the graph above, the following scenarios show very different situations from one territory to another, whether in terms of investments, energy sources or final production costs.
One of the important criteria for the success of the energy transition will be the autonomy of the ZNI with respect to fuel imports. Today, we can see that islands such as Martinique and Corsica are still largely powered by diesel. One of the main objectives of this transition is to free itself from these means of production in order to make it in accordance with The Paris Agreements.
Far from being forgotten, the ZNI benefit from certain exceptions and exemptions French. These territories contribute to the influence of France throughout the world, so it is quite logical to see them integrated into the national electricity system (TRV, TURPE...).
The future will tell us whether the public policy choices are the most relevant today, because the challenges to be met for these ZNI are both ambitious but also complex to be accepted in all territories.
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The answers to your questions
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Tertiary companies are concerned by taxes such as TICFE or TICGN. Sirenergies checks the accuracy of invoices, identifies possible exemptions, and helps correct errors to sustainably reduce costs.
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La réussite d'un projet collectif énergie repose sur trois piliers fondamentaux :
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- L'incarnation : Nommer des ambassadeurs énergie internes permet de diffuser les bonnes pratiques par l'exemple et de lever les freins opérationnels propres à chaque métier.
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En 2025, la France a atteint un solde exportateur net de 92,3 TWh, battant le précédent record de 2024 (89 TWh).
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Among the taxes include TICFE, TICGN, CTA, CJA and TURPE. They represent a significant part of the bill and vary according to consumption profiles. Understanding them well is essential to optimize costs.
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The range E @sy is available in four pricing structures to adapt to each risk profile:
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Use databases like ADEME for precision.
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