Overview
Dégrad des Cannes is a 72 MW gas power plant in French Guiana, operated by Électricité de France. It supplies electricity to the region's grid.
Dégrad des Cannes is a gas-fired power plant located in French Guiana, an overseas department of France. With a capacity of 72 MW, it is a medium-sized facility within the region's power generation landscape. The plant is owned and operated by Électricité de France (EDF), the state-owned utility, and plays a key role in meeting local electricity demand. As a gas power plant, Dégrad des Cannes utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel, which offers lower CO2 emissions compared to coal or oil. The facility operates under French and EU regulations, including the Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU), which sets emission limits for SOx, NOx, and particulates. The plant contributes to the energy security of French Guiana, a region with limited interconnection to neighboring grids. Its location near the coast facilitates fuel supply via LNG imports. The facility supports local economic activity and provides reliable power to residential, commercial, and industrial users in the area.
Environmental context
The plant's gas-fired operation results in lower greenhouse gas emissions per MWh compared to coal or oil plants, but still contributes to CO2 emissions. Its proximity to populated areas may raise local air quality concerns, though EU regulations mandate stringent emission controls. The facility's age and technology (likely subcritical or combined cycle) influence its efficiency and environmental footprint. The surrounding tropical ecosystem is sensitive to air and water emissions, requiring careful management.
Frequently asked questions
Dégrad des Cannes is located in French Guiana, an overseas department of France in South America. Its coordinates are approximately 4.86° N, -52.28° E.
The plant has a capacity of 72 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-sized gas-fired facility in the region.
The plant is owned and operated by Électricité de France (EDF), the French state-owned electric utility company.
As part of France and the EU, the plant must comply with the Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU), which sets emission limits for pollutants like SOx, NOx, and particulates. Best Available Techniques (BAT) conclusions also apply.
The plant uses natural gas as its primary fuel, which is cleaner than coal or oil but still produces CO2 emissions.