ENGIE in France: networks enter a new era

The French model for the energy industry is rapidly evolving. Following publication of the Energy Transition for Green Growth Act (LTECV) in August 2015, the objectives are clearly defined: to consolidate the country's energy independence, limit its carbon footprint, and fight against energy poverty. ENGIE is committed to these targets, focusing on decentralized, digital zero carbon energy.

ENGIE: wind and solar power leader in France

ENGIE is the leading producer of onshore wind power in France, with an installed capacity of 1553 megawatts. A shining example of its commitment to the sector: in March 2016, the Group acquired 100% capital in Maïa Eolis, a company specializing in the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of wind farms in France.

ENGIE is also at the forefront of solar power! The national leader in France, the Group won 14 solar power projects in 2015 through its subsidiaries Solairedirect, Compagnie Nationale du Rhône, Compagnie du Vent and Futures Energies.

Ushering in decentralized energy production

To implement the energy transition act, the Multi-year Energy Program (PPE) includes in particular the aim of expanding district heating and air conditioning networks which should, by 2030, increase five-fold the renewable energy produced and recovered (wood, biomass, waste, and recycling). To join this dynamic, ENGIE has delivered a proposal adapted to suit each region: its teams analyze individual needs and the resources available in each area to deliver bespoke decentralized energy management solutions.

ENGIE runs 146 of the 500 or so district heating networks that heat 2.1 million households in France. Some of these networks, in particular in Paris, are among the largest in Europe: CPCU, that delivers heating to a network that covers almost 500km and Climespace, that cools a total area of 5 million square meters.

Today, district heating networks are again popular in local authorities, forming part of their Regional Air-Energy Climate Plan that they must apply by 2020. This growing interest is explained in part by how readily these networks can be adapted to cater to new needs: 'Most of our networks deliver 50% renewable energy: in time, we will be able to alter this percentage at the government's request', explains Aurélie Lehéricy, head of the Major Regions Department at ENGIE Networks.

Digitally optimized energy management

ENGIE is developing increasingly effective digital tools to better tailor energy production to suit demand. Thanks to new technologies, it is now possible in real time to know energy needs and adapt supply accordingly, or even remotely manage the delivery of energy. The result? Greater energy sobriety on a national level, and tens of thousands of tons of CO emissions avoided every year.