The Nice Cรดte d’Azur Metropolis entrusts the public distribution of natural gas to the company GRDF. This type of contract is unique in France and foreshadows the new national contract model currently being developed.
Having become the granting authority, the Metropolis took over the direct management of 20 distribution concession contracts for 24 municipalities supplied with gas, ranging from the east to the west of the territory, extending to the hills. In order to benefit from a modernized and unified contract for its entire territory, the Metropolis embarks on an unprecedented contract with GRDF until 2034.
The objectives set by the contract
This contract will significantly contribute to the objectives of the metropolitan Climate Plan, aiming to achieve a share of 7 to 10% renewable gas by 2030.
Indeed, it includes a specific component titled “energy and ecological transition,” thus incorporating issues related to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. During the first five years, GRDF will contribute 250,000 euros per year towards the energy transition through the following actions:
Development of renewable gas production, whose carbon content is 10 times lower than natural gas and comparable to other renewable energies. Biomethane will be produced locally by valorizing biowaste and sludge, as seen at the Cagnes-sur-Mer wastewater treatment plant. Methanization will be further developed, particularly at the Haliotis wastewater treatment plant. Two studies will also be conducted to create an innovative pilot unit of pyro-gasification from wastewater treatment sludge and for the production of green gas from surplus renewable electricity by 2030.
Optimization of existing installations. Older fuel oil or gas heating systems will be replaced with more efficient gas solutions to reduce energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and air pollutants, with a target to renovate 5,000 homes by 2030.
Development of a modal share based on gas motorization with NGV (Natural Gas for Vehicles) and bioNGV to promote clean energies and improve air quality. The life cycle of BioNGV emits 85% less CO2 compared to diesel. Four refueling stations, including three public ones, are planned, as well as the bioNGV conversion of 80 buses, 30 garbage trucks, 180 heavy goods vehicles, and 300 utility vehicles.
The contract also includes a research and development section with selected partners to support change in service of the Metropolis’s challenges and to become an international technological showcase and training center. Prevention and educational actions are also planned to raise awareness among the population, including children and students.
About GRDF
GRDF also commits to implementing an investment master plan, in partnership with the Metropolis, to maintain network quality, ensure its evolution, and promote the integration of renewable energies by contributing to energy demand management and energy efficiency. The impact of various natural risks on the network will be studied in collaboration with the relevant metropolitan services.
The gas distribution in the Nice Cรดte d’Azur Metropolis today consists of more than 1,083 kilometers of gas distribution network, including 1,034 km of medium-pressure network and 49 km of low-pressure network, 1,830 GigawattHours transported annually on average, nearly 110,000 users relying on this energy, with an average of 6 million euros of annual investments over recent years by the concessionaire GRDF.
