Official launch of West Grid Synergy in Brittany

Christine LE STRAT, President of Pontivy, with Patrick VAUTIER, Sub-Prefect of Pontivy-Ploërmel, André CROCQ, Regional Advisor for the Energy Transition and Jo BROHAN, CEO of Morbihan Energies, have the pleasure of officially launching the projet West Grid Synergy in Brittany this Wednesday 11 September at 10 a.m. at the Pontivy Conference Centre. All the partners involved in the construction and implementation of this innovative project - the first of its kind in France - will be in attendance.

What is West Grid Synergy? The aim of the project is to increase and optimise the production and consumption of renewable gas in the Pontivy district. This renewable gas is produced using different processes (anaerobic digestion of agricultural and agri-food waste, recovery of biogas emitted by the fermentation of buried waste). It should cover nearly 50% of the area’s energy needs by 2025, i.e. local gas production that exceeds the consumption of the region's residential and tertiary sectors.

Two anaerobic digestion units in Pontivy already inject renewable gas into the distribution network operated by GRDF. The Lycée Agricole du Gros Chêne will be the third such producer by the end of the year.

West Grid Synergy is focussing on several up-and-coming technologies to recover all the locally produced renewable gas.

• In Noyal-Pontivy, GRTgaz has created and installed the keystone of the project: a so-called “reverse” pilot facility. For an investment of €3 million, this facility allows for a two-way gas flow between the transmission network (GRTgaz) and the distribution network (GRDF). Until now, flows could only be from the transmission network to the distribution network. The main outcome of this innovation is that Pontivy can accommodate new projects, with the surplus production injected into the distribution network able to supply neighbouring territories.
• The GRDF distribution network was also adapted by linking Noyal-Pontivy and Pontivy. GRDF thus increased both the consumption area and its capacity to receive renewable gas.
• The integration of digital technology via the rollout of smart meters in the territory optimises the management of the networks.
• Finally, gas uses will be developed in the territory: in early 2020, Pontivy will be the recipient of a Vehicle Natural Gas station installed by Morbihan Energies, with the support of the Intermarché group, providing haulage providers, companies, local authorities and citizens with cleaner, locally produced fuel.

The West Grid Synergy partners are jointly leading all these projects contributing to developing the use or production of biomethane in Pontivy. The aim is to make the district a French benchmark in the field of renewable gas. West Grid Synergy also operates in two territories in the Loire valley: Mauges Communauté and Pays de Pouzauges.

To introduce the general public to this energy revolution, presentation workshops will be held for young and old alike from 2 p.m. at the Conference Centre.

The following will be in attendance: Patrick VAUTIER, Sub-Prefect of Pontivy-Ploërmel; Christine LE STRAT, President of Pontivy Communauté; André CROCQ, Regional Councillor for the Energy Transition; Jo BROHAN, CEO of Morbihan Energies; Christelle ROUGEBIEF, GRDF Centre-Ouest Region Customer Manager; Amaury MAZON, GRTgaz Centre Atlantique Regional Delegate