Dijon’s ‘Heart of Energy Transition’ Celebrates a Decade, Offers Rare Public Access – Breaking News!
DIJON, FRANCE – In a significant milestone for sustainable energy in France, the Valendons biomass boiler in Dijon is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a special open day on September 20, 2025, as part of the European Heritage Days. This isn’t just a birthday party; it’s a rare opportunity to peek behind the scenes of a facility powering a greener future for over 15,000 homes and drastically reducing the region’s carbon footprint. For those following Google News SEO best practices, this event represents a compelling local story with national implications.
From Coal to Wood: A Decade of Climate Action
Commissioned in August 2015, the Valendons boiler room marked a pivotal shift for the south of Dijon, replacing a heavily polluting coal-fired plant in Chenôve. That plant consumed a staggering 5,000 tonnes of fossil fuel annually, releasing approximately 9,000 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere. The transition to wood biomass, sourced from within a 100km radius (with 95% coming from within 50km), has effectively eliminated that pollution and positioned Dijon as a leader in local, renewable energy.
Today, the Valendons boiler room supplies heat to the networks of Fontaine d’Ouche, Chenôve, and Talant, powering the equivalent of 15,200 homes. It’s a tangible example of how cities can actively combat climate change and improve air quality. The facility’s impact extends beyond residential heating, also serving key buildings like the International City of Gastronomy and Wine, and various social housing complexes.
Inside the Valendons Boiler: A Technical Overview
The Valendons facility isn’t just about swapping one fuel source for another; it’s a sophisticated energy infrastructure. It boasts three biomass boilers (two at 8.77 MW and one at 4.1 MW) and a 10.5 MW gas boiler for supplemental or peak demand. This combination allows for a reliable and efficient heat supply, even during periods of high demand. The network itself spans 47km, with 301 substations distributing 173 GWh of heat annually.
Impressively, the Redi Heat network, powered by Valendons, achieves 64% heat generation from renewable and recovered energies. This translates to a remarkable 24,000 tonnes of CO2 avoided each year – equivalent to taking 20,000 cars off the road. The entire project represents a €76 million investment, with €10 million co-funded by Ademe Bourgogne Franche-Comté, demonstrating strong regional support for sustainable initiatives.
A Glimpse Behind the Scenes: Heritage Days Open House
On September 20, 2025, Roma, a subsidiary of the Coriance group and operator of the heat network, is opening the doors of the Valendons boiler room to the public. Two guided tours are available, each limited to 10 participants, requiring prior registration. Spaces are expected to fill quickly, so early booking is highly recommended.
Practical Information:
- Date: September 20, 2025
- Location: Valendons Boiler Room – 22 rue des Valendons, 21000 Dijon
- Registration & Information: [email protected]
- Website: https://sodien.fr/
Safety First: Attendees are required to wear closed-toe, flat shoes and pants. Children are welcome from the age of 1m40, but must be accompanied by an adult. Protective equipment will be provided on-site.
The Valendons boiler room isn’t just a facility; it’s a testament to Dijon’s commitment to a sustainable future. This open house offers a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the power of renewable energy and the innovative solutions driving the energy transition. As cities worldwide grapple with climate change, the lessons learned from projects like Valendons will be crucial in building a more resilient and environmentally responsible world. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of sustainable energy initiatives and breaking news from across the globe.
