In Normandy, public transport is going green with the rise of BioNGV

In 2021, the production of "Made in Normandy" green gas is gaining new momentum with the development of the methanizer network: to date, 19 units are injecting into the networks and helping to supply 24 NGV/BioNGV refueling stations. And these figures are expected to double in 2022! On the occasion of European Mobility Week, GRDF in Normandy draws up an inventory of this green revolution in Normandy transport.

GRDF supports the green revolution in Normandy transport

Today, one out of four buses sold in France runs on NGV/bioNGV. Local authorities in Normandy are largely in favor of this fuel to green their bus fleets.

This year, for example, Caen la Mer and Le Havre respectively ordered 200 and 55 CNG-powered buses to renew their fleet of public transport vehicles. In Caen, the commissioning of the first CNG buses has been in effect since September.

In Argentan in the Orne, Normandy's first autonomous agglomeration in summer in green gas since last year, public transport is being modernized. In charge of mobility skills since July 1, 2021, Argentan Intercom put its first three CNG buses into service on August 30. “We have invested in the CNG bus. It's cleaner, with locally produced fuel, and it's a significant way to save money. Compared to diesel, we save 36% on the cost of fuel. explains Frédéric Leveille, President of the intercommunality.

In Normandy, 15 private stations and 9 public refueling stations are already operational, a dozen new stations are being studied to increase demand.

The commissioning of refueling stations is increasing in the region to follow the rise of this alternative fuel. Recently, a new multi-energy station (gas, hydrogen, electricity) south of Evreux (at the crossroads of the N154 and N13, an important logistics hub in the department) was created. THE SDEM Syndicat d'Energies de la Manche also has plans for a CNG/bioCNG station to supply carriers in the Carentan les Marais conurbation (extended area of ​​the Cotentin Bay: Carentan, Isigny, Sainte-Mère-Eglise, etc. .)

In Normandy, 19 methanation units are already injecting into GRDF networks, and around forty projects should see the light of day in 2022!

BioNGV is obtained by the methanization of various and sometimes combined organic waste: household waste, sludge from wastewater treatment plants, agricultural products and mowing of green spaces... All CNG vehicles are compatible with BioNGV, which allows interchangeability simple. It is a local and renewable energy. To date, Normandy has 19 injection biogas plants. In 2022, this network should experience strong growth with 40 new projects, in partnership with local farmers.

For Aymeric Cotrel, GRDF Director in Normandy: “Agriculture plays an essential role in the production of energy and particularly with regard to methanization where more than 90% of the production comes from the agricultural world. This sector is essential for the ecological transition of the Normandy territory. Anaerobic digestion creates a bridge between the agricultural world and the urban world. By supplying vehicles of course, but also by creating energy resources to inject gas to heat homes or public facilities. We support farmers on a daily basis in this diversification of their profession. »

Mathieu Deschamps, farmer-methanizer, soon to be a “refueller”

Nestled in a small village in Seine Maritime at Cléville, Mathieu Deschamps breeder, has also been a methanizer for 10 years. The biomethane that his unit produces has been injected into GRDF's networks since June 2021 and serves the equivalent of the annual consumption of 2 homes or 000 buses running on CNG. Convinced by the advantages of this green energy, the farmer plans to create a refueling station with partners a few kilometers from his methanization site. This project should see the light of day next fall. “Our approach is centered on the circular economy and local production. This refueling point project allows us to anchor our anaerobic digestion activity locally. »