A ministerial briefing on the EDF power plant construction project

A smooth landing, a few steps on the tarmac followed by the customary greetings, and the Minister for Overseas Territories immediately immersed herself in examining one of the island’s and the Territorial Collectivity’s most pressing issues. Specifically, the issue of energy management and, by extension, the project to build a new EDF power plant in Public. While Naïma Moutchou’s visit to Saint Barthélemy on Monday, March 9, was conducted at a brisk pace, her “energy” segment was the longest of the day.
Upon her arrival, the minister headed to the EDF power plant accompanied by the president of the Territorial Collectivity, Xavier Lédée, Senator Micheline Jacques, Representative Frantz Gumbs, and Prefect Cyrille le Vely. Welcomed by Regional Director Marie-Line Bassette, surrounded by local officials, Naïma Moutchou toured the production site. She then chaired a meeting regarding the agreement signed by the State and the Collectivité on the project to build the new power plant.

Creating a model to meet needs
“The issue of energy is of paramount importance in the overseas territories in general and in Saint Barthélemy,” declared the minister. “I have come to highlight an exceptional partnership. There have been in-depth discussions between government agencies and the Collectivité. I also thank the senator for her commitment and involvement.” ” Naïma Moutchou mentioned an investment of 280 million euros, “of which 50 million is for the Collectivité,” she noted. “Given the constraints, we had to create a model that will not only meet current needs but also anticipate future needs and align with the energy transition,” she added.
Regarding the discussions that punctuated the meeting with elected officials and EDF’s regional management, the minister noted that their purpose was to establish a timeline for the project but also to “identify the challenges.” Naïma Moutchou described it as “a complex and one-of-a-kind project.” This is evident, given the financial, land-use, and structural constraints. As EDF Regional Director Marie Line Bassette noted a few minutes later, after the “Moutchou Express” departed for a second round of meetings at the gendarmerie (see page 3).
While 2026 is set to be marked by regular meetings between the Collectivité, the State, and EDF aimed at refining the details of the new power plant project, the project itself will inevitably take a long time to complete. “It’s clear that building a new power plant involves enormous challenges, as this will be the first time we’ve ever rebuilt a new plant on-site while the existing one is still in operation,” explains Marie-Line Bassette. She notes that discussions with the minister have helped “raise awareness of the limited space available, the energy challenges, and the issue of energy management.” But also of the complexity of the work ahead.

A “very complicated” project
“It’s going to be a very complicated project,” says Marie-Line Bassette. “During the construction period, our energy consumption will be limited by the temporary power plant we’ll be setting up. Eventually, with the new plant, things will be different. But when the work begins, it’ll be like a game of Tetris. We’ll have to relocate the agency’s offices, then start demolition, move equipment, set up the temporary power plant before we can begin shutting down the engines that need to be decommissioned, then remove them, decontaminate the site, and finally start construction. You see, we’re looking at many years ahead. At least five years, if all goes well. So the sooner we start, the better it will be for everyone.”
Throughout the construction work, the regional director emphasizes that energy production will remain the same as it is today. “That is why it is absolutely essential that energy conservation measures be implemented in parallel,” she explains. An energy management (MDE) committee, involving the local government and state agencies, will work to identify the tools and support needed to reduce consumption. We’re going to turn a constraint into an opportunity. During this phase, we won’t be able to expand, so it’s the right time to think about electricity consumption.”
In a previous interview with JSB in September 2025 (JSB 1632), Marie Line Bassette mentioned “a timeframe of about seven years” for the duration of the work. Furthermore, the total investment for the plant’s reconstruction has been estimated at nearly 400 million euros.

The minister also took a guided tour of the educational farm in Gouverneur.