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Cacao Energy Facility
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The Cacao energy facility is located in the eponymous village in French Guiana, famous for its Hmong community and agricultural importance. This biomass power plant was established to stabilize the local energy supply in the interior and reduce the reliance on fossil fuels. The facility utilizes wood waste from the surrounding areas, generated during the preparation of agricultural land or sustainable forest management. With a capacity of approximately 5 megawatts, the plant not only covers local needs but also feeds power into the regional grid. The project is an excellent example of integrating industrial infrastructure into a rural cultural landscape shaped by indigenous and migrant communities. It secures the energy independence of the Cacao community while stimulating the local value chain in biomass logistics.
- Location: French Guiana
- Top sights: Notre-Dame de la Paix · Église protestante évangélique de Cacao · Le Planeur Bleu
- Nearby: Kaw Marshes (39 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 25 |
| Rain mm | 305 | 283 | 276 | 385 | 488 | 315 | 216 | 110 | 56 | 59 | 109 | 309 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
This biomass power plant in the agricultural village of Cacao uses wood chips from land clearing to generate electricity. It plays a key role in providing sustainable energy to the region while supporting local agriculture by valorizing waste.
Visiting
The facility is a fully operational industrial installation that is not generally open to visitors or guided tours. However, its exterior can be easily observed from the main road that passes through Cacao, offering a clear view of the plant's structures and cooling towers.
Where to view it
The best public viewpoint is from the road that runs past the facility, where you can see the plant and its surrounding wooded area. There is no designated observation platform, but the road provides a clear sightline.
Local products
The power plant itself does not sell products directly, but its operation relies on wood chips sourced from nearby agricultural clearing. These wood chips are a by-product of land preparation for crops and local farming, thus linked to the region's agriculture.
Active season
The plant operates year-round as a baseload power source, with continuous electricity generation. Its activity is closely tied to the agricultural calendar, as land clearing for new fields typically provides the biomass fuel during the dry season.
Nearby
A visit can be combined with exploring the nearby Hmong farms of Cacao, which supply fresh vegetables to the country. The Cacao village market is also worth visiting for local produce and cultural insights.
Geography
Facts
- The facility began its commercial operations in the year 2020.
- It has an installed electrical capacity of 5.1 megawatts.
- Approximately 40,000 tons of wood biomass are processed annually as fuel.
- The plant reduces CO2 emissions by an estimated 28,500 tons per year.
- It is located in the commune of Roura, which includes the village of Cacao.
- The project supports local Hmong farmers by accepting clearing residues.
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Sights in the town Cacao Energy Facility (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is there a biomass plant in Cacao?
To provide the remote village with independent and sustainable electricity.
What is special about Cacao?
It is a village of the Hmong community, famous for agriculture.
Can you see the facility from the outside?
Yes, it is located on the edge of the village and is part of the local infrastructure.
Is agricultural waste also burned?
Primarily wood is used, but research on agricultural residues is ongoing.
Are there restaurants nearby?
Yes, Cacao is famous for its Sunday market with Laotian specialties.
Cacao Energy Facility: where is it located?
Cacao Energy Facility is located in French Guiana.
Cacao Energy Facility: what is there to see?
Highlights include Notre-Dame de la Paix, Église protestante évangélique de Cacao, Le Planeur Bleu.
Cacao Energy Facility: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.
Cacao Energy Facility: why is it worth visiting?
The Cacao energy facility is located in the eponymous village in French Guiana, famous for its Hmong community and agricultural importance.
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