A leap towards sustainable waste management and energy production

As nations worldwide wrestle with the intertwined issues of waste disposal and energy generation, the concept of transforming waste into energy emerges as an ingenious solution. This approach not only tackles the waste management problem but also creates a renewable energy source. A key project in Vitré, France, is poised to make significant strides in this direction, reshaping the waste management and energy production landscape.

The Vitré Waste-to-Energy plant, commissioned initially in 1972, is operated by Paprec and has a treatment capacity of 28,000 tons of residual household waste per year. This plant supplies energy and heat to 114 municipalities in Côtes d’Armor and Ille-et-Villaine, serving approximately 220,000 residents. 

A leap in waste management and energy production

Recognizing the plant's age and performance, the project, led by S3T’ec (Syndicat de Tri, Traitement, Transition Ecologique et Circulaire) and Paprec Énergies, is centered around the construction of a new energy recovery facility, which will replace the existing plant. With an estimated cost of around 100 million euros, this new plant is set to more than double the current site's capacity, increasing waste valorization from 28,000 to 70,000 tons.

Under this concession contract, Paprec aims to boost both the environmental and energy performance of the plant, supplying more steam to the district heating network and more electricity to the grid. Paprec’s strong track record in the waste-to-energy sector, managing over 20 plants of this kind in France, lends credibility and expertise to this project.

Impacts and benefits for local communities

This initiative is critical for the residents of Côtes d’Armor and Ille-et-Villaine, as it will treat the waste generated in these regions and facilitate the production of steam, heat, and electricity from waste incineration, all while meeting environmental targets.

The project meets regulatory objectives, striving for zero landfilling and zero waste exportation. At present, about 15,000 tons of waste are still being buried annually. The new plant, named UVE (Unité de Valorisation Énergétique de Vitré), will significantly contribute to Vitré community's decarbonisation efforts by producing more local, non-fossil energies. This will fulfill 18% of the agglomeration's Climate-Air-Energy territorial plan objectives.

The project will also create new jobs and introduce a preparation center to sort waste from the dump, a feature currently unavailable. The expanded capacity of the new facility will further enable the growth of the Révertec urban heat network.

Financial support and milestones

Societe Generale has been instrumental in supporting this project, providing a non-recourse financing of 90 million euros. The financial package includes a construction facility to fund the renovation of the existing plant and a long-term Dailly facility.

The construction phase will span four years, followed by a 16-year full operation period. This project marks a significant milestone in Societe Generale's commitment to providing structured financing solutions for projects with substantial environmental and social impacts, contributing to the circular economy.