The Magna Porta business zone is a large-scale development project designed to host industrial, tertiary and technological functions. In this context, NGE and the Agence Régionale Énergie Climat Occitanie (AREC) have formalized a partnership aimed at structuring an energy network capable of meeting the needs of the future zone. The two entities plan to rely on several local sources to ensure a stable supply for the buildings planned on the site.
A system built around local energy flows
Studies conducted by NGE identified three levers intended to secure a constant energy supply for users. The first consists of using waste heat from the data center planned within the perimeter to produce part of the heating distributed to the buildings. The second relies on a geothermal system combined with complementary energy inputs, including photovoltaic installations placed on rooftops and shading structures. The third focuses on electricity production through dedicated photovoltaic units, part of which will be directed into the internal grid to stabilize supply.
The partners plan to create a joint structure responsible for operating this network. This entity will be tasked with optimizing flows, regulating production and managing energy surpluses. The objective is to maintain an operational balance between production systems and the demand generated by the activities established on the site.
Dedicated governance for integrated management
The joint company will oversee centralized management of the network to improve coordination among the various local energy sources. This model will also allow rapid adjustments to distribution according to changes in land use or the specific needs of certain businesses. The partners emphasize the necessity of unified oversight, given the diversity of projected site uses.
The Magna Porta project spans several dozen hectares and plans to accommodate thousands of direct and indirect jobs. It notably includes a large-scale data center, which represents a major share of the financial commitments. The site’s layout encourages an organization into multiple quadrants, each dedicated to a specific type of activity ranging from industrial operations to tertiary services.
Infrastructure sized for a strategic site
Projections indicate more than 200,000 square meters of built surfaces, with initial deliveries scheduled toward the end of the decade. The zone benefits from its proximity to a high-speed rail station, which provides a logistical advantage for businesses. A significant portion of the available space has already been pre-commercialized, reflecting strong interest from several sectors.
Overall investment for Magna Porta exceeds several hundred million euros, including the development of the data center and energy infrastructure. The project also incorporates land-use measures with open-ground areas and spaces reserved for ecological compensation. The initiative underscores the intent to structure an economic hub equipped with internal energy solutions likely to appeal to companies seeking diversified supply options.
