The authorization for oil drilling at the Nonville concession, in Seine-et-Marne, is under judicial review after an administrative court ruled that the prefectural order of January 2024 was illegal on several points. While many arguments raised by opponents of the project were dismissed, the court highlighted deficiencies concerning the environmental impact of the project, especially regarding the protection of fauna and flora.
Identified Illegalities by the Court
The administrative court pointed out several flaws in the environmental impact study submitted by Bridge Energies. One of the primary shortcomings concerned the protection of fauna and flora on the site of the concession. Additionally, the prefectural order did not include specific measures to prevent rainwater pollution, particularly regarding the impermeabilization of the peripheral ditch of the site. Lastly, the court noted that the amount of financial guarantees required to cover potential risks was not specified.
Reactions from Stakeholders
The reaction from opponents of the project came swiftly. Dan Lert, President of Eau de Paris, praised the decision as a “victory,” emphasizing that the court recognized the many deficiencies in the impact study, particularly regarding the risks to biodiversity and water catchments. Eau de Paris expressed its intent to continue mobilizing against the project, which could threaten the water supply for 180,000 people in the region.
On the other hand, Philippe Pont, President of Bridge Energies, disagreed with the interpretation of the order by opponents. According to him, the court did not suspend the project but instead granted a delay to complete the environmental study regarding protected species. He also emphasized that the order simply addressed technical concerns without significantly affecting the project.
Bridge Energies’ Project
Bridge Energies, formerly Bridgeoil, is a major player in oil extraction in France, although it is a smaller national oil producer. The company holds a concession to exploit the Nonville oil field, with wells opened between 2012 and 2014. The drilling project includes the opening of two new wells to a depth of 1,500 meters. These drills aim to increase oil production at the site.
The project is particularly sensitive due to its proximity to drinking water catchments used by Eau de Paris to supply a large part of the Paris region. The public utility has expressed concerns about the potential pollution of these catchments, an issue compounded by the lack of protective measures in the prefectural order.
The Context of Oil Production in France
In France, oil production represents a small fraction of the national consumption, with only 1% of national demand being met by domestic production. The majority of this production comes from the Paris Basin and, to a lesser extent, the Aquitaine Basin. The French oil sector is thus far removed from the dominant position seen in other producing regions worldwide.
Bridge Energies’ project is set within a context where the importance of oil production in the country remains marginal, but still an essential issue for local energy security. Additionally, initiatives such as geothermal energy, CO2 storage, and aquaponics are presented as potential options that could be funded through the revenues generated by oil extraction.
