The project had been officially stopped by EDF a year ago, angering unions and local elected officials. But, ultimately, the Ecocombust project, which aims to convert the coal units of the Cordemais power plant (Loire-Atlantique), could indeed be relaunched. This is indicated by the CGT union, which had worked hard to defend this process which consists of gradually replacing combustible coal with biomass (pellets from furniture wood or pruning branches).
The French group Paprecwhich specializes in waste recycling, has in fact submitted, alongside EDF, a dossier for the construction of an Ecocombust plant on the Cordemais site in response to the call for expressions of interest (AMI) for projects industrial production of wood pellets launched by the Ministry of Ecological Transition in February.
First works for the winter
“The ball is in the court of the ministry to validate this project and give the authorizations so that the construction work begins in 2023 and that this black pellet production plant is put in 2025”, let the CGT know. The project, considered to be much less polluting than coal production, is supported by the public authorities. He had received the favorable opinion of a public inquiry commission at the beginning of March.
According to the syndicate, EDF “is now undertaking the conversion of the Cordemais power plant for next winter by carrying out the work to achieve 20% C02 neutral pellets in the fuel mix. Winter 2022-2023 which could be a period during which the Cordemais plant would once again be in high demand”.
Over 600 jobs pending
EDF had, in July 2021, announced the abandonment of the Ecocobust project due to its “cost which would not guarantee an attractive price for the final product” and the withdrawal of its industrial partner [Suez].
Installed on the banks of the Loire since 1970, the Cordemais power plant employs around 350 people and employs almost as many service providers. It supplies electricity to most of the Grand-Ouest. Its activity based on the combustion of coal is intended to stop by 2026.