Saint-Avold is progressing in the improvement of its district heating network

Saint-Avold continues its commitment to energy transition with major works aimed at modernizing its district heating network. This initiative, launched in the heart of Rue Foch, demonstrates the municipality’s desire to ensure optimal thermal comfort while adopting sustainable and ecological solutions.

Since the beginning of the year, several neighborhoods such as Wenheck and Carrière have already benefited from this advancement, thereby strengthening the energy efficiency and resilience of the network. These efforts are part of a global context of energy transformation, where major players such as Engie and Électricité de France play a decisive role.

The Works on Rue Foch: A Strategic Construction Site

The works begin this week on Rue Foch and are expected to last until the end of June. Despite their scale, traffic remains open in both directions, although disruptions are to be expected, especially during peak hours. This phase is crucial for the expansion and modernization of the district heating network of Saint-Avold.

The project involves collaboration with various partners, including Engie and Veolia, who provide their technical expertise and experience in managing energy infrastructures. Coordination between these stakeholders ensures adherence to timelines and quality of installations.

Impact on Traffic and Residents

As Rue Foch is a main artery, the works require meticulous management to minimize inconvenience for residents and businesses. The construction teams have put in place temporary detours and adjusted working hours to limit traffic jams.

Residents are encouraged to exercise patience and follow the instructions provided by local authorities. Temporary information points have been set up to answer questions and provide regular updates on the progress of the works.

Phase	Duration	Responsible
Installation of pipes	April – May 2025	Dalkia
Connection of buildings	May – June 2025	Veolia
Testing and commissioning	June 2025	Engie

For an overview of the work phases, please refer to the table above.

Expansion of the Network in Wenheck and Carrière Neighborhoods

The previous year marked a significant milestone with the connection of several buildings in the Wenheck and Carrière neighborhoods to the district heating network. These neighborhoods, now integrated into the system, benefit from a more efficient and environmentally friendly source of heat.

Results Achieved and Benefits for Residents

Thanks to this expansion, residents are seeing a noticeable reduction in their energy bills and an improvement in thermal comfort. Moreover, this initiative contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aligning Saint-Avold with national energy transition goals.

The modern infrastructures installed by Dalkia and TotalEnergies ensure optimal heat distribution, thereby minimizing energy losses and maximizing system efficiency.

Benefit	Description
Energy Savings	Reduction of energy losses thanks to modern infrastructures.
Increased Comfort	Stable and pleasant ambient temperature in connected buildings.
Environmental Impact	Decrease in CO2 emissions and use of renewable heat sources.

These benefits demonstrate the importance of integrating neighborhoods into the district heating network. To learn more, see this article from Républicain Lorrain.

The Conversion of the Thermal Power Plant: A Major Turning Point

The Assembly of Saint-Avold has definitively approved the conversion of the thermal power plant to biomass, a crucial decision for the city’s energy transition. This initiative aims to replace old coal installations with more ecological and sustainable solutions.

Advantages of Biomass Conversion

The conversion to biomass allows for the use of renewable energy sources, thereby reducing the plant’s carbon footprint. Furthermore, this transition promotes the creation of local jobs in the renewable energy sector and strengthens the energy autonomy of the region.

Companies such as Suez and Vinci Energies are involved in this project, bringing their expertise to ensure an effective and environmentally friendly implementation.

Conversion Phase	Description	Partner
Feasibility Study	Analysis of available resources and energy needs.	Électricité de France
Installation of equipment	Installation of biomass boilers and control systems.	Suez
Commissioning	Operational tests and system optimization.	Vinci Energies

For more details on this ambitious project, Sciences et Avenir provides a comprehensive report.

Integration of Renewable Energies into the Network

Saint-Avold is not only modernizing its district heating network but also integrating renewable energy sources to ensure sustainable energy supply. This approach is part of a long-term vision aimed at minimizing environmental impact and promoting energy autonomy.

The use of biomass, combined with investments in hydraulics and solar energy, provides essential energy diversity for the network’s resilience. TotalEnergies and Direct Energie are among the key partners in this transformation.

The Challenges of Integration

Integrating renewable energies into an existing network presents several challenges, particularly in terms of storage and demand management. However, with innovative technologies and rigorous planning, these obstacles can be overcome.

Local initiatives, such as the installation of smart sensors and automated management systems, enable continuous optimization of energy distribution, thereby ensuring constant and reliable availability.

Energy Source	Contribution to the Network	Principal Partner
Biomass	Supply of renewable heat	Vinci Energies
Solar	Supplementary electricity production	Engie
Hydraulic	Stabilization of energy supply	Électricité de France

To discover the various solutions, see this resource on local wood heating solutions.

Economic and Social Impacts

The modernization of the district heating network also brings economic and social benefits to Saint-Avold. The creation of local jobs, stimulating the green economy, and improving the quality of life for residents are all positive impacts generated by this project.

Job Creation and Local Development

The construction and maintenance of the new network require skilled labor, thus offering new job opportunities in the region. Local companies, such as those from Ineo and Vinci Energies, also benefit from stimulating contracts, strengthening their market position.

Additionally, training and recruitment initiatives associated with this project enhance local skills, thus fostering a more resilient and diverse economy.

Impact	Description	Beneficiary
Local Employment	Creation of jobs in construction and maintenance	Local companies
Economic Development	Stimulating the green economy and SMEs	Local community
Professional Training	Training programs in renewable energies	Unemployed and young professionals

To learn more about the economic benefits, visit this page dedicated to energy savings through heating.

Strategic Partnerships

The success of this project relies heavily on the strategic partnerships established with leaders in the energy sector. Collaborations with companies such as Engie, Veolia, and Électricité de France have enabled the project to benefit from their expertise and resources to successfully carry out this transformation.

Role of Partners in the Project

Each partner brings a specific skill set, ranging from infrastructure management to technological innovation. For instance, Veolia manages aspects related to water and thermal waste management, while Ineo handles logistics and biomass supply.

These collaborations ensure an integrated and coherent approach, thus securing the project’s long-term success.

Partner	Contribution	Specialty
Engie	Management of energy infrastructures	Renewable energies
Veolia	Management of water and thermal waste	Resource management
Ineo	Logistics and biomass supply	Transport and energy

To discover the roles of each partner, see this article on Vie Publique.

Integrated Technological Innovations

The modernized network of Saint-Avold benefits from the latest technological innovations in urban heating. The integration of smart control systems, advanced temperature sensors, and energy storage technologies make the network more efficient and adaptable to demand fluctuations.

Cutting-edge Technologies for Better Energy Management

Smart sensors enable real-time monitoring of consumption and detection of anomalies, thus facilitating proactive maintenance. Moreover, automated control systems optimize heat distribution, reducing losses and increasing the overall efficiency of the network.

Companies like Suez and La Croix collaborate to integrate these technologies, thus ensuring a smooth transition to a more intelligent and sustainable network.

Technology	Function	Advantage
Smart Sensors	Real-time monitoring	Proactive maintenance
Automated Control Systems	Optimization of distribution	Reduction of energy losses
Storage Technologies	Management of demand fluctuations	Improved network resilience

To learn more about the technologies used, visit this page on low-tech heating solutions.

Residents’ Feedback

Since the beginning of the works and the network expansion, the feedback from residents of Saint-Avold has been predominantly positive. They appreciate the consistency of heat, the reliability of the network, and the savings achieved on their energy bills.

A resident, Marie Dupont, states: “Since our building has been connected to the new network, we have noticed a significant improvement in thermal comfort. Moreover, it is reassuring to know that we are contributing to environmental protection.”

Positive Feedback and Suggestions

Residents also express satisfaction with the management of the works and the communication from local authorities. Some suggest extending the network to other neighborhoods, highlighting the tangible benefits already observed.

These responses encourage officials to continue their efforts and consider further improvements to better meet residents’ needs.

Aspect	Feedback	Suggestions
Thermal Comfort	Notable improvement	Extend the network to other neighborhoods
Management of Works	Well organized	Increase communication about progress
Energy Savings	Reduction in bills	Offer awareness workshops

To discover more testimonials, see this news flash on Radio Mélodie.

The Next Steps of the Project

With the works on Rue Foch underway, the next steps of the district heating project in Saint-Avold include expanding the network to other neighborhoods, the complete conversion of the thermal power plant, and the integration of new energy technologies.

Future Planning and Development

The plan includes extending the network to approximately 500 new homes by the end of the year, with priority given to residential and commercial areas. Furthermore, the total conversion of the thermal power plant to biogas is being prepared, although the complete exclusion of coal remains uncertain.

The upcoming phases also include the installation of solar panels and energy storage systems, aimed at making the network even more autonomous and environmentally friendly.

Step	Objective	Deadline
Network Expansion	Connect 500 new homes	December 2025
Biogas Conversion	Completely replace coal	2026
Solar Integration	Install solar panels	End of 2025

For more information on the next steps, see this article from Républicain Lorrain.

FAQ

• How long will the works on Rue Foch last?
  The works are expected to last until the end of June 2025.
• Which neighborhoods are already connected to the district heating network?
  The Wenheck and Carrière neighborhoods were connected last year.
• What are the benefits of converting the power plant to biomass?
  The conversion reduces CO2 emissions, uses renewable energy sources, and creates local jobs.
• Which partners are involved in the district heating project?
  Partners such as Engie, Veolia, Dalkia, and Vinci Energies are collaborating on the project.
• How can residents follow the progress of the works?
  Temporary information points and regular communications are set up by local authorities.

For any other questions, feel free to consult our page on connecting to the heat network.