On March 6, 2024, the city of Nice embarked on a new era of sustainable development by initiating the modernization and expansion of the “Energie d’Azur” heating network. Christian Estrosi states that this initiative aims to provide clean and affordable energy to a growing population.
Accompanied by various elected officials and Fabrice Tenneson, Regional Mediterranean Director of Dalkia, Christian Estrosi held an informational meeting with the residents of the Nice-East neighborhoods, highlighting the ecological and economic benefits of this ambitious enterprise.
Competitive rates for more than 7,000 households
The Energie d’Azur heating network builds its success on the Meridia and Haliotis heating networks. It already supplies part of the Nice-East neighborhoods. It sources its energy from the Waste-to-Energy Unit, offering competitive rates to more than 7,000 households. Compared to the national average of households using gas, these residents benefit from energy bills up to 30% lower.
Christian Estrosi emphasizes that: “In a context of constantly rising energy prices, developing this green energy network is a strategic challenge for the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis […] It allows us to have our own local energy sources, with rates that are not indexed on fossil fuels.”
A promising expansion for 2030
Aware of the significance of this energy transition, the Metropolis has decided to modernize and expand the heating network. This is meant to ensure its sustainability and also to include new neighborhoods, housing, businesses, and strategic public facilities. Energies Nouvelles de Nice, a subsidiary of the Dalkia group, is in charge of this public service mission. A colossal investment of more than 37 million euros will be made in this project, dubbed “Energie d’Azur.” The first phase of work, started this week, will continue until the end of 2025. A second phase, planned from 2026 to 2029, will complete the network extension.
A significant environmental impact
Beyond the economic benefits, this ecological initiative will have a major environmental impact. Already, the existing heating network prevents 21,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually. With its expansion, this figure is expected to increase by an additional 9,500 tons per year, equivalent to removing nearly 17,000 combustion engine vehicles from the road.
The modernization of the “Energie d’Azur” heating network represents a significant step towards a cleaner and more sustainable future for the Nice region, demonstrating the Metropolis’s strong commitment to a responsible energy transition.
