The Ille-et-Vilaine Departmental Energy Syndicate (SDE35) signed a 25-year concession agreement with ENGIE Solutions for the creation and operation of a future district heating network in Bain-de-Bretagne. The agreement was formalised on October 22 in the presence of institutional representatives and company executives. The network will provide centralised heating to 21 public and private buildings across the municipality.
A network designed for a limited but strategic perimeter
The network will span 4.9 kilometres and supply buildings owned by various levels of local authorities. The estimated annual consumption of subscribers is 6.5 GWh. The project includes the construction of a biomass boiler plant, supplemented by a solar thermal field and a gas-fired backup system. Operations and maintenance will be handled by a dedicated local subsidiary, Bain Chaleur Renouvelable 35.
A €9.5mn investment and a phased execution
The total investment amounts to €9.5mn ($10.01mn). Construction responsibilities will be divided between SDE35 for the network infrastructure and ENGIE Solutions for the energy production unit. Commissioning is planned for October 2027, following two years of construction. The project is part of a broader regional initiative led by SDE35, with other similar networks in development within the department.
Local sourcing and a short supply chain model
Biomass will be sourced exclusively from certified forest and hedgerow resources within a 50-kilometre radius of the site. The supply chain is governed by quality and certification standards, ensuring traceability and sustainable resource management. The approach follows a local circular economy model.
85% renewable energy target and citizen investment
The chosen energy mix aims to cover 85% of thermal needs from renewable sources. A participatory financing scheme will be offered to residents to encourage local engagement in the project. Technical projections estimate the network will prevent 5,860 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions over the duration of the contract.