Présentation :

Réunion Island sits in one of the world's most cyclone-prone regions. Every year, during the cyclone season from November to April, tropical storms and cyclones threaten critical infrastructure across the island. For a territory that relies entirely on its own electricity network and is not connected to a continental grid, maintaining a resilient power system is essential for supporting homes, hospitals, businesses, and public services.

Following the devastating impact of Cyclone Garance on Réunion Island’s electricity network in February 2025, EDF initially called on Omexom, among others, to secure the grid and set up a temporary network to restore power as quickly as possible to some of the residents in the eastern part of the island. This emergency work took place from April through October 2025. Then, in a second phase, EDF Réunion launched a major reconstruction program to restore critical high-voltage infrastructure in the eastern part of the island. Omexom was awarded a contract to rebuild two strategic transmission lines that will strengthen the network, support renewable energy integration, and secure electricity supply for local communities.

Pour afficher la vidéo, vous devez autoriser les cookies « Réseaux sociaux et services tiers ».

Modernizing Critical Transmission Infrastructure

Cyclone Garance caused extensive damage to the high-voltage network in eastern Réunion. Although temporary lines were rapidly installed to maintain service, the storm destroyed 21 transmission towers, resulting in one of the most significant disruptions to the island’s power network in decades.

In response, EDF Réunion chose to modernize the network rather than simply replace damaged assets. The objective is to improve reliability for communities and critical facilities while supporting the island’s energy transition goals.

  • The new lines have been designed to be more resilient, with additional towers and structures specifically designed to limit cascading failures in the event of future cyclones, helping to significantly reduce potential damage.

    Nicolas Herbert Project Manager, Omexom in France

EDF Réunion entrusted Omexom with rebuilding two strategic high-voltage lines connecting Abondance to Rivière de l’Est and Abondance to Sainte-Rose, totaling 10 kilometers of transmission infrastructure. The project includes the reconstruction of 33 high-voltage towers, the installation of approximately 40 kilometers of conductors, and the adaptation of foundations and access routes to local geographic and climatic conditions.

The scope extends beyond the assets destroyed by the cyclone. Several towers that remained standing are also being replaced to create a fully modernized transmission corridor with consistent performance standards across the entire route.

Compared with the original infrastructure, the new towers are significantly more robust. Weighing between 6 and 20 metric tons, they are designed to withstand cyclonic condition with wind speeds of approximately 210 km/h while incorporating significant safety margins.

Image Credits: Victor Chow photo © report

Delivering the Project at Accelerated Pace

Construction began in January 2026 and is scheduled for completion in March 2027. The Abondance-Sainte-Rose line is expected to be energized in October 2026, followed by the Abondance-Rivière de l’Est line in December 2026.

At peak activity, up to 95 Omexom employees and subcontractors will be working on the project. Specialized teams from both Réunion and mainland France have been mobilized, bringing expertise in foundation construction, tower assembly, heavy lifting, conductor stringing.

Selected sections also involve drone- and helicopter-assisted operations to support cable stringing in challenging locations.

Throughout the project, Omexom has worked closely with local authorities, residents, landowners, and agricultural stakeholders to minimize disruption and adapt construction activities to local requirements.

  • What I particularly appreciate about this project is the relationship of trust we have built with EDF. Despite the challenges we have faced, we have always maintained an open and transparent dialogue, worked together to find solutions, and moved forward towards a common goal. To me, this is what true partnership is all about.

    M’Bark Bouchti Business Unit General Manager, Omexom in France

Building a Resilient Energy Future Through Reliable Power and Renewable Energy Integration

Temporary 63 kV lines installed by Omexom teams after Cyclone Garance have ensured network stability and uninterrupted service during reconstruction. Once the permanent infrastructure is complete, the upgraded network will continue to support power from the Rivière de l’Est hydroelectric plant, a key renewable energy asset for Réunion.

With an installed capacity of 82 MW, the facility accounts for about 60% of the island’s hydroelectric generation and is essential to the local electricity system.

Temporary 63 kV lines installed by Omexom teams after Cyclone Garance have ensured network stability and uninterrupted service during reconstruction. Once the permanent infrastructure is complete, the upgraded network will continue to support power from the Rivière de l’Est hydroelectric plant, a key renewable energy asset for Réunion.

With an installed capacity of 82 MW, the facility accounts for about 60% of the island’s hydroelectric generation and is essential to the local electricity system.

Share :

Latest news