Sustainable urban planning for a successful energy transition on Reunion Island: From policy intentions to practical achievement

Numerous studies have investigated how small vulnerable territories are adapting to climate change, particularly non-interconnected islands with focus on Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and self-sufficiency. A key to success is an energy plan with appropriate policy tools. This paper first presents a discussion on barriers to RES deployment. Then, we present the energy situation and the legislative energy framework in Reunion Island. Are the legislative and policy frameworks sufficient to achieve the energy transition? This paper proposes an original view discussing the potential of a territory and available tools to develop RES. Energy transition is also view as an opportunity. •Reunion Island's potential for achieve the energy transition.•A complex legal context: town planning and energy planning not in phase.•A set of barriers identified and analysed isolated island.