a municipality in Hauts-de-France relies on firedamp
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The municipality of Béthune (Pas-de-Calais) pumps the firedamp still present underground. Associated with other sources of energy, it makes it possible to heat for less.
It is a region where the past is a forged landscape. For nearly three centuries, the mine was the economic lung Hauts de France. The firedamp frightened the whole basin. It is a gas contained in coal and responsible for terrible explosions. If the mines closed 30 years ago, the gas remains present under our feet as on the site of Divion (Pas-de-Calais). It is pumped 150 meters underground and then sucked in and built up in pressure. It then passes through pipes to reach a boiler in Béthune. Combined with other energy sources, it has been supplying 1,750 social housing units for just over a year.
The inhabitants save 400 euros per year according to the town hall, 80,000 euros for the city which heats a hundred public buildings. This cheaper and local energy is welcome in these times of crisis. The hospital, university and remand center are in the process of being connected and other municipalities could soon be inspired by Béthune. Experts claim that there would still be 150 years of mine gas reserves available for Hauts-de-France, at the current rate of capture.
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