Saturday, 28 February, 2026
Seychelles is a small island developing state (SIDS) in the western Indian Ocean comprising roughly 115 islands, with the largest concentration of economic activity on Mahé and Praslin. The archipelago has achieved near universal electricity access (~99.5 per cent). Despite this access, Seychelles remains highly dependent on imported fossil fuels for its power generation, making the electricity system vulnerable both to global fuel-price shocks and to the logistical/distribution constraints of an island network.
The country’s energy system is therefore at a critical inflection point: the national energy policy (Energy Policy 2010-2030) emphasises sustainable development of the sector, prioritising energy efficiency, renewable energy (RE) and a reduction in import dependency. The Ministry has also adopted a roadmap towards “virtually 100 per cent renewable power by 2035” when e-mobility is considered. In October 2025, it was reported that Seychelles launched a new tender for large-scale renewables, targeting an RE share of 15 per cent by 2025.
Seychelles has a strategic advantage: its small grid size, isolated island electricity network, and the strong imperative to reduce oil import exposure make it well-suited for rapid deployment of renewables + storage, and potentially as a testbed for green hydrogen / e-fuel applications (particularly for its maritime/port sectors). The ambition therefore extends beyond RE alone into resilience, decarbonisation, and even export-oriented “green island” narratives.
Hydrogen production or utilisation does not currently exist in Seychelles at commercial scale. The country has no domestic hydrogen industry, and there is no recorded industrial, transport, or power-sector consumption of hydrogen. Nevertheless, Seychelles exhibits several characteristics that align with long-term hydrogen potential: reliance on remote microgrids, a sizable maritime economy, a central port serving regional traffic, and high diesel generation costs. These factors position Seychelles as a suitable candidate for small-scale green hydrogen pilot projects in the future, particularly for backup power, port decarbonisation pathways, and long-duration energy storage.
Seychelles currently does not have hydrogen-specific regulations, safety guidelines, or a national hydrogen strategy. Hydrogen is not explicitly referenced in existing energy policies or legislation. However, the broader policy environment indirectly supports future hydrogen adoption. The Energy Policy 2010–2030 promotes renewable energy expansion, energy efficiency, and reduced diesel dependency. Updated NDCs reinforce the national transition toward low-carbon development.
As of 2025, Seychelles has not yet established specific hydrogen regulations.
Seychelles has strong renewable energy potential, which forms the basis for any future green hydrogen production. Solar energy is the most promising resource, supported by consistently high irradiation across the islands. The 5 MW Romainville Solar Park and upcoming floating PV project demonstrate utility-scale feasibility. Wind resource is moderate and site-specific, with the 6 MW Port Victoria Wind Farm proving operational viability.
In 2025, Seychelles is aggressively advancing its renewable energy goals, aiming for 15-19 percent RE in its grid by mid-year, heavily focusing on solar with new floating PV plants like the 5.8 MW Seysun Lagoon project, supported by the World Bank's REAP program to modernize grids, attract private investment, and reduce diesel dependence, pushing towards a 100 percent clean energy future by 2030-2035.
Emerging technologies such as wave energy have been explored in academic studies, highlighting long-term potential for diversified renewable generation.
Seychelles currently has no domestic manufacturing capability for green hydrogen technologies (electrolysers, fuel cells, storage tanks, compressors, or related components). Domestic industrial capacity is limited and oriented mainly toward tourism, fisheries, and light commercial services.
There are currently no confirmed hydrogen pilot projects, hydrogen production plants, or officially announced hydrogen initiatives in Seychelles.
References:
Africa Energy Portal (2024). Seychelles Country Profile – Energy Access, Installed Capacity, Diesel Use, Renewable Share.
https://africa-energy-portal.org/aep/country/seychelles
IRENA (2024). Seychelles Renewable Energy Statistical Profile – Solar Resource, RE Potential.
https://www.irena.org/IRENADocuments/Statistical_Profiles/Africa/Seychelles_Africa_RE_SP.pdf
UNFCCC (2024). Third National Communication of Seychelles – Energy System, Diesel Dependence, Climate Commitments.
https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/TNC%20FEB%202024%20-FINAL.pdf
MACCE (Government of Seychelles). Renewable Energy Vision & Roadmap to 2035.
https://macce.gov.sc/climate-change-department/renewable-energy/
H2Global (2025). Opportunities for Renewable Hydrogen Development in Africa – Country Clustering & Hydrogen Readiness.
https://h2-global.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/H2Global-White-paper-Country-Clustering-FINAL.pdf
PVKnowHow (2025). Government Tender for 15% RE Target & Solar Integration Announced.
https://www.pvknowhow.com/news/seychelles-renewable-energy-impressive-2025-target-set/
Romainville Solar Park – 5 MW + 3.3 MWh BESS.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ile_de_Romainville_Solar_Park
Port Victoria Wind Farm – 6 MW.
https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89nergie_renouvelable_aux_Seychelles
World Bank (2025). Renewable Energy Acceleration Programme – Grid Modernisation & RE Integration.
https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/
Muínos et al. (2024). Future role of wave power in Seychelles – Energy Journal.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360544224016785
Payet et al. (2024). Blue Carbon Ecosystems of Seychelles – MDPI.
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-1924/5/1/6
World Bank, Press Release, June 30, 2025