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France approves conversion of Saint-Avold power plant to biogas by 2027

The National Assembly approved legislation enabling the conversion of the Saint-Avold coal-fired power plant to biogas, fulfilling a government pledge and impacting approximately 500 jobs.

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The French National Assembly has definitively passed a law enabling the conversion of the Saint-Avold thermal power plant, located in Moselle, currently coal-fuelled. This legislative decision, adopted unanimously by present deputies, fulfils a commitment made by President Emmanuel Macron in 2023 to transform the facility to run on natural gas and biogas by 2027.

A key legal step for GazelEnergie

The approved legislation removes a legal barrier that had previously hindered the plant’s conversion, operated by GazelEnergie. The company has expressed readiness to invest in the transition, which requires significant infrastructure modifications. This technological shift is expected to preserve industrial activity at the site, where around 500 direct and indirect jobs are linked to the power facility.

Parliamentary discussions also addressed the future of the second remaining coal-fired power plant in France, located in Cordemais, Loire-Atlantique. A section of the legislation mandates the drafting of a specific plan for that installation, following a collaborative effort by regional senators. Électricité de France (EDF), the operator, had previously announced the permanent closure of this site in September.

Political pressure for clearer energy planning

During the bill’s presentation, Marc Ferracci, Minister Delegate for Industry, emphasised the importance of the law in providing clarity for industrial stakeholders amid the restructuring of the national energy mix. He confirmed the government’s intention to swiftly adopt a new multiannual energy programme (programmation pluriannuelle de l’énergie, PPE) in the form of a decree.

The minister stressed the need for Parliamentary involvement in the process, stating that future adjustments would be shaped by elected representatives’ debates. Several lawmakers, including the Chair of the Economic Affairs Committee Aurélie Trouvé and Deputy Julien Brugerolles, reiterated the importance of subjecting national energy decisions to Parliamentary debate and approval.

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