Saint-Denis de La Réunion Launches EU-Funded Overhaul of Public Lighting Network

The city of Saint-Denis, Réunion, has embarked on a large-scale programme to modernize its public lighting system, backed by funding from the European Union’s FEDER-FSE+ 2021-2027 scheme under Action 2.1.2 for road lighting renovation. The project will see nearly 8,000 of the municipality’s 18,000 lighting points — many of which are classified as outdated and energy-intensive — replaced with LED technology. Each new unit will be fitted with a remote management system, enabling dynamic control of lighting levels, including reduced brightness during low-traffic hours to optimize energy use.

Currently, the city spends around €1.2 million annually on electricity for public lighting, with 30% of equipment deemed obsolete. The upgrade, scheduled for completion by 2026, aims to deliver an estimated €350,000 in yearly savings while significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions and improving network efficiency. The total cost of the project is €7.75 million, of which €3.66 million will be covered by the EU through the FEDER programme. This investment supports Saint-Denis’s broader objectives in the energy transition and sustainable urban development.