Designed and run by Dalkia, this new biomass boiler will provide 360 000 MWh of thermal energy per year, making it the second largest in terms of power in the Paris region. The biomass input will enable renewable energies to account for 68% of the collective network's supply. In fact, the Cyel network is already converting the unavoidable energy produced by waste incineration at the neighbouring Auror'Environnement site. The introduction of biomass presents a dual environmental and financial advantage. Energy wood will represent 22% of the energy produced and will enable CO2 emissions to be reduced every year by 16 000 tonnes in a transition year (2009) then 35 000 tonnes in a full year. Then, by passing the 50% renewable energies marker, the network will benefit from a VAT rate of 5.5%, as provided for by French legislation to promote carbon-free energies.
Biomass is a renewable energy that is in full expansion, supported by public authorities as part of "green growth" and renewable energy development policies. It is a major development axis for Dalkia. The establishment of a lasting supply source is a key factor for success and constitutes a competitive advantage for Dalkia, especially for a project on this scale. The new installation in the Cyel network will convert the different types of wood collected near the site. 45% of this biomass comes from forest residue, i.e. the part of the wood taken from forests that cannot be converted by operators or industrialists (branches, wood not suitable for other purposes, treetops, etc.), completed by wood chips, logistical pallets at the end of their life or compost residue.