Toulouse. Inauguration of the Ginestous methanization unit: soon the end of bad smells?
Through Lucie Fraissé
Published on
It was commissioned in September 2020, but is now running at full speed: Energibio, the Ginestous-Garonne methanization unit located on the site of the Ginstous wastewater treatment plant, a Toulouse, was inaugurated on Monday, November 15, 2021
Wastewater sludge transformed into green gas
An anaerobic digestion plant, close to the Ernest-Wallon stadium, which transforms wastewater into biogas. With this installation, sludge from wastewater treatment is transformed into “green gas” and feeds the urban distribution network.
“This is an important step on the road to energy transition”, welcomed Jean-Luc Moudenc, president of Toulouse Métropole – site manager – and mayor of Toulouse. “It’s a long march, but we are committed to it in a proactive manner”.
The elected representative recalled several achievements, such as the Oncopole photovoltaic power plant, the Ramier island hydroelectric power plant or even the extension of the heating network: “It is a question of activating several technologies, with a objective: that by 2030, theproduction of renewable energy is doubled. “
34 million euros of investment
Nearly 34 million euros have been invested in this Ginestous anaerobic digestion plant, 67% by Toulouse Métropole, with the support of the Region, Ademe and GRDF. “It is a considerable investment”, underlined the president of Toulouse Métropole. “Energy transition at a high cost”.
This anaerobic digestion plant supplies heating and water the equivalent of a municipality of 11,000 inhabitants. And the injection of the gases it produces into the GRDF circuit must generate income: they are estimated at 3.75 million euros for the first year of operation (2021).
Towards the end of bad smells for local residents?
It should also make it possible to resolve a problem that residents of the wastewater treatment plant are familiar with: that of bad smells. The anaerobic digestion plant makes it possible to reduce the volume of sludge to be treated. And the closing of the sludge composting platform also made it possible to limit odor nuisance.
“Too often the neighborhoods of Ginestous and Seven denarii are known to be those of the Stade Toulousain and those who suffer from bad smells ”, underlined Olivier Arsac, district mayor. “But soon, I hope, it will be the neighborhoods of the Stade Toulousain and the methanization plant. This plant is the start of a series of investments which should allow the implementation by the end of 2022 of a zero odor plan. “
However, local associations remain vigilant. Members of the collective against the Ginestous 2000 plan were thus present at the inauguration of the anaerobic digestion station. They have been mobilizing for a long time “for the right to breathe in the Toulouse conurbation” and follow all the news from the wastewater treatment plant very closely.
“The anaerobic digestion plant, we’ve been asking for it for 20 years, so sur is very satisfied, we cannot be against, ”emphasizes Marcel Martin, member of the collective. “It’s a step forward for the residents. As for zero odor … We have been promised this for twenty years, I am waiting to see !”
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