New heating network in Bligny-sur-Ouche, France supplies sustainable warmth

An ERDF-funded project has installed a wood- and oil-fuelled heating system in Bligny-sur-Ouche in the Côte d’Or, France to provide homes and public buildings with low-carbon, affordable warmth from a sustainable local fuel.

Bligny-sur-Ouche local authorities set up the project, which is operated by the Cote d’Or regional energy services coordinator, SICECO.

The heating system includes a central boiler room and a 525-metre-long network of heating pipes. The boiler produces up to 330 kW of heat from wood from nearby forests, with additional capacity for 522 kW of heat from fuel oil. The pipes distribute the heat to six buildings – the local gymnasium and dojo, the public services centre, public schools, a college and the fire and rescue centre – and to housing association homes, which will be connected in 2020.

Compared to old heating systems, the new boiler room saves up to 147 tonnes of CO2 emissions, equivalent to the amount produced by 74 cars travelling 15 000 km. It can also reduce heating costs for local authorities and residents. Wood is one of the cheapest energies on the market, and has a more stable price then fossil fuels.

Finally, the project helps to sustain sustainable local jobs. A local business will supply the wood, supporting the region’s forest heritage.

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Source article on https://www.k6fm.com/ 25/10/2019

Photo:© iStock/JackF