Villa Massena hosted two presidents for an evening. On one side was the president of the Nice Cรดte d’Azur Metropolis, Christian Estrosi, and on the other, Jean-Bernard Lรฉvy, CEO of the EDF group. The purpose of the meeting was the signing of an agreement binding both parties.
The cooperation was formalized in the majestic, even historic, setting of Villa Massena. A testament to a bridge between the city’s past and the new horizons toward which it is turning.
The content of the agreement
Christian Estrosi spoke. After the usual acknowledgments, he announced the major themes of the agreement. “Today, we are signing a partnership agreement with EDF that will allow us to work together on six main themes:
- The development of electricity production from renewable sources
- Distribution through heating networks
- Energy efficiency and demand management
- Innovation and sustainable energy development
- Electric mobility solutions
- Fighting energy poverty and fostering energy solidarity.”
These broad themes involve concrete actions. Projects include hydropower production, solar initiatives, operational plans, and support for businesses. It essentially entails a whole arsenal of decisions, methods, and organizations to make the city energy-dependent. The aim is to avoid a blackout that could paralyze the entire city in case of specific weather conditions.
A long-term partnership
A first signature? No! Since May 2013, EDF and the NCA Metropolis have endeavored to implement innovative energy solutions. A prime example is utilizing the Allianz Riviera as an energy source. “A pioneering spirit reigns here,” specified Jean-Bernard Lรฉvy, before adding, “now it’s up to us to know how to realize these hopes.”
