Green heat is in the pipe

In France almost one third of the energy conveyed by heating distribution systems comes from green sources: waste incineration (23%), biomass (3%) and geothermal energy (3%). Because of incentive measures like low tax rates, subsidies and guarantees for the development of the network, the number of accommodations linked to a heat network is expected to more than double in the next 10 years. For intermediate size towns, heat distribution networks based on wood are developing. 110 networks totaling 260 MW were operating in 2009: 400.000 tonnes of wood were burnt producing 730 GWh. The 151 km long heat distribution network of Grenoble relies on a 43 MW wood boiler. Since 1985 the city of Alfortville has developed a heating distribution network based on geothermal energy. (A.C.)