The city of Toul, in partnership with ENGIE Solutions, has officially inaugurated a new biomass heating plant that now supplies an urban heat network measuring 12.5 kilometres. With an installed capacity of 8.5 megawatts (MW), this plant will produce heating and domestic hot water equivalent to the needs of 2,400 homes.
A heat network serving public and private buildings
This thermal network feeds 53 substations distributed throughout the municipality, covering several public buildings such as the local hospital, detention centre, and educational institutions like the Majorelle and Cugnot secondary schools. Administrative buildings, including the tax office and La Poste, as well as private establishments such as the St Evre residence and MATHIEU company, are also among the beneficiaries.
Complete management of this network—including its design, construction, and operation for a 25-year period—is handled by TOUL Energie, a company created specifically by ENGIE Solutions for this project. With most installation and connection works now completed, the network will start operating fully from the next heating season.
Local supply of wood-energy
Located on Chemin de la Croisette, the biomass plant will annually require approximately 10,250 tonnes of wood-energy, sourced from within a radius of less than 120 kilometres around Toul. According to data provided by the city, the use of this local source would help avoid emissions of approximately 133,400 tonnes of carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚) over the 25-year contract period, equivalent to the average annual production of 16,000 French citizens.
This energy production mode particularly aims at stabilizing subscribers’ energy costs independently from fluctuations in fossil fuel market prices. Local biomass sourcing also represents enhanced autonomy for the municipality and its infrastructure in terms of energy security.
Commitments reaffirmed by city hall and ENGIE Solutions
During the official inauguration, Alde Harmand, mayor of Toul, highlighted the local impact of the project, mentioning “a real energy transition project benefiting the inhabitants of Toul”. For his part, Vincent Uricher, regional networks director Alsace-Lorraine-Bourgogne-Franche-Comté for the North-East territory of ENGIE Solutions, emphasized that the project exemplified “the expertise and constant commitment of ENGIE Solutions to offer local and competitive solutions.”
This achievement comes after an intense construction period and marks the effective operational start of major energy infrastructure for the region.
