In French Guiana, a community of indigenous Kali’na began actively resisting plans for the world’s first baseload renewable power plant using hydrogen technology – the CEOG project – in November 2022. The energy company, Hydrogene de France (HDF Energy), had touted the plans as an initiative that would deliver jobs for the local community, support a village’s self-sufficiency, serve the nearby power grid and leave plenty of free land for the locals’ use.
However, the Kali’na community saw it differently. For them, the site – just two kilometres from Prospérité, their village of 230 people – was a direct attack on their identity and way of life.
After two years of resistance, an agreement was reached between the Kali’na community of Prospérité and HDF Energy. A joint statement issued on August 30, 2024, said both parties will benefit: HDF Energy secures the continued development of its hydrogen power plant, while the Kali’na community gains commitments to sustainable development projects. These include the creation of employment opportunities for Kali’na youth, particularly in the renewable energy sector, initiatives to protect the local environment and improvements to local infrastructure. Additionally, the agreement promises ongoing dialogue between the company and the community, with a focus on ensuring that the plant’s operations align with the Kali’na’s cultural and environmental priorities, allowing for a more inclusive and sustainable future for both parties.
