MUSE DHC partner Bois Énergie Renouvelable highlights the importance of dialogue in supporting the expansion of DHC networks in France, thereby contributing to the green transition.
Bois Énergie Renouvelable (SPL BER) is a French local public company established in 2018 to serve the areas of Ville de Lorient, Lorient Agglomération and Quimperlé Communauté. Its mission is to decarbonise local energy consumption by structuring the wood-energy sector, developing district heating (DHC) networks, boosting renewable heat production, and supporting municipalities in their renewable energy projects.
As one of the partners of MUSE DHC, we spoke with Lucie Fauvin, Heating and European Project Manager at SPL BER, to learn more about the culture of DHC in France and their role in the project.
Are DHC networks popular in France?
In general, DHC networks in France are expanding rapidly and have become pivotal, particularly in larger cities. Many of these cities have extensive networks serving a high number of end-users, operating at very high temperatures (up to 80°C), and in some cases even delivering cooling only.
Medium-sized cities with fewer than 100,000 inhabitants tend to develop DHC systems alongside new buildings or district retrofits. Residents of smaller towns and rural areas may also be interested, but it can be difficult to find the right financial balance when creating a DHC network, especially given the social and infrastructural constraints.
Why are DHC networks necessary, and how can they help your country achieve climate neutrality?
DHC networks are essential in France as they help achieve environmental goals more efficiently than individual systems. Historically, France relied on numerous individual heating systems, but in terms of transition, resilience, and resource sharing, district heating networks are a more suitable solution. Their impact is significantly greater than that of individual systems.
What challenges do you face in developing a DHC network?
One of the main challenges is maintaining or achieving a heat price that remains lower than current gas prices for future end-users.
Another challenge relates to social acceptance. For example, while developing the woodchip-fuelled DHC network in Ploemeur (Morbihan area), we encountered public concern about air pollution and emissions. Some residents also feared that we might damage the forestry sector to produce heat. Since dialogue is key, we held several discussions with stakeholders to reassure them, sharing data on wood origins and circularity. Once people felt reassured, we were able to move forward with the project. The system is currently under construction.
What project are you developing under MUSE DHC?
We are working on two case studies. One will be selected soon, while the other focuses on the crematorium in Lorient. Currently powered by gas, it is one of the few crematoriums in the Lorient Agglomération area (210,000 inhabitants over 740 km²) and operates six days a week throughout the year.
Our plan is to carry out a detailed feasibility study to confirm the potential for waste-heat recovery. We will also work on the design phases and then prepare a realistic investment plan and business model for our shareholder, the City of Lorient.
Why is engaging with citizens key to success?
Social acceptance is crucial to the success of any project, particularly when addressing sensitive issues such as cremation facilities. It is therefore important to involve citizens in the discussion process.
If stakeholders do not understand a project – its challenges or its technology – they may oppose it, and misinformation can spread easily. Raising awareness is therefore key. Once people understand the potential of DHC, they are generally happy to support and benefit from it.
Why did you join the project, and what are your expectations?
By joining the project, we aim to strengthen our understanding of how to integrate risk management into DHC projects involving waste-heat recovery. Industrial activities often face uncertainties—will they still exist in 2, 5 or 10 years? Given that a DHC system operates for at least 30 years, it is essential to analyse these risks into the investment plan from the outset, in order to offer end-users a realistic, long-term heat price.
As operators of more than eight DHC networks, we can offer support on operational, financial and administrative aspects. With a team covering the full DHC project cycle – from feasibility studies to financing and heat distribution – we provide expertise in technical design, contracting, business modelling, and municipal engagement.
We are delighted to share our experience with the consortium, to learn from our partners, and to strengthen our role as a trusted partner for end-users, funders, municipalities, and technical experts alike.