A miscanthus boiler room supported by Douarnenez Habitat (29)
Douarnenez Habitat (Finistère), a local public institution and social and economic player, is committed to a regional energy and environmental project, with thethe renovation of the Pouldavid social housing buildings.
As part of the renovation of the Pouldavid buildings, Douarnenez Habitat, a social landlord committed to energy transition, is launching an innovative renewable heat production project, spearheaded by Catherine Cavatz and Gwilhem Bras. The aim is to provide local, sustainable, and efficient energy for the 144 homes, while maintaining reasonable rents for its tenants.
For heating, the solution chosen is based on two Heizomat biomass boilers fueled by miscanthus. Miscanthus, a perennial plant with high biomass production and low input requirements, offers many advantages. These include high calorific value and positive externalities for the environment (no inputs, permanent ground cover, biodiversity, etc.).
Ongoing project
The idea emerged in 2022. After the feasibility study was approved, things began to take shape with work starting at the end of 2024.
By the end of 2025, two Heizomat boilers fueled by miscanthus will be installed to ensure the thermal comfort of residents. The miscanthus will come from neighboring plots of land.
The first planting took place in spring 2025 on land belonging to Douarnenez Habitat and on plots belonging to a neighboring farmer, located in a water catchment area in order to maximize the environmental services provided by miscanthus (protection of water resources). Planting is expected to continue in the area once the terms of the purchase agreement have been approved.
A local and virtuous micro-industry
Environmental
- Agro-ecological and renewable fuel
- Contribution to the energy transition
- Protection of water resources
- Biodiversity
- Carbon storage
Economic and social
- Secure and stable supply of biomass
- Energy independence, local fuel, ultra-short supply chain, unaffected by global market fluctuations
- Attractive long-term purchase agreement with the producer, without intermediaries
- Control over fuel purchase costs: assurance for tenants that they will not be affected by increases linked to the international context
- Regional dynamism: maintaining local agriculture and supporting economic and social life
With this project, Douarnenez Habitat is innovating in the energy renovation of social housing, combining energy efficiency, local development, and environmental protection. The promotion of the local miscanthus industry demonstrates the feasibility of a sustainable and replicable model for other energy renovation projects.