Inaugurated in June 2019, the Paris-Saclay heating and cooling network uses geothermal energy and recovers heat from the cooling of buildings with specific air-conditioning requirements. Decentralised substations and a tempered loop are used to manage these heat exchanges. One of the largest in France, this network makes it possible to use local energy, over 60% of which is renewable, and emits four times less CO2 than a traditional solution. Artelia is working on its extension on behalf of the Paris-Saclay public institution.

Our teams are in charge of the design and work supervision for the entire development (supply networks, heat exchangers, production system), which will eventually supply 2.15 Mm2 of heat, i.e. double the current production[1], with a coverage rate of 63% in renewable and recovered energy. They are also studying the installation of a biomass boiler to support the geothermal supply. This extension is part of the European D2Grids project, which aims to promote the creation of intelligent, low-temperature, fifth-generation heating and cooling networks.

[1]https://www.veolia.fr/sites/g/files/dvc2401/files/document/2023/02/CP_Saclay-Veolia_EPA_140223.pdf
Veolia is referring to “100 GWh/year of heat and 20 GWh/year of cold sold”, equivalent to the consumption of 10,000 households.

Photo credits: Alticlic