32 reverse flow projects

In a decision published on 29 July 2021, the French Energy Regulation Commission (CRE) approved the launch of studies for the installation of nine new reverse flow projects. GRTgaz currently has a portfolio of 32 reverse flow projects in France, for a total investment of nearly €100 million. Most of these projects are expected to come to fruition between 2022 and 2024.

A reverse flow station transfers local biomethane surpluses on the distribution networks to the transmission network, to be transported to another territory and/or stored. Reverse flow thus gives greater visibility to project owners and encourages concrete plans for anaerobic digestion units, as it allows all local production to be accepted by the network at any time, particularly in summer when production may be higher than consumption. These gas infrastructure developments offering smart biomethane logistics provide renewable energy that is fully controllable and storable, and hence extremely useful for the stability of the energy system.

GRTgaz already operates four reverse flow stations in Noyal Pontivy (Morbihan), Pouzauges (Vendée), Mareuil-lès-Meaux and Marchémoret (Seine-et-Marne). Another is set to be commissioned in Marmagne (Cher) at the end of July 2021.

With 32 reverse flow projects, GRTgaz confirms its commitment to renewable gas and its ability to support the development of the sector by combining the rollout of reliable solutions with targeted investments where necessary. As part of its CAP24 business plan for 2021-2024, GRTgaz also aims to connect around a hundred anaerobic digestion sites directly to its network.