In Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon, a project biomass boiler room provokes strong reactions among residents. The future Beaunant power plant, which should be operational by 2030, is part of an ambitious network, but its announcement caused a revolt among local residents, concerned about possible impacts on their health and the environment. The context around this project is delicate and deserves particular attention.
A stormy meeting
During a public meeting in November in the village hall of Francheville, more than 400 local residents gathered to discuss issues related to the biomass boiler room. Philippe Guelpa-Bonaro, vice-president of the Metropolis of Lyon responsible for energy, defended the project, detailing the important infrastructure that will project the construction of four boiler rooms and a network of 80 kilometers of pipes.
However, residents’ concerns dominated the discussions, highlighting a heated debate over the potential effects of the project.
The project: a long-term perspective
With a budget of 200 million euros, the heating network aims to provide district heating has 25,000 housing units in the surrounding communities, including Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon, Francheville, Tassin-la-Demi-Lune and other districts of Lyon. However, members of the collective Beaunant Breathe point out alarming notes. They worry about fine particle emissions linked to the wood burning, as well as direct consequences on the health of local residents.
Amaury de Gaudemar, a member of the collective, even mentions studies establishing a link between wood heating and the development of certain types of cancer, which amplifies the criticism surrounding this initiative.
Elected officials face concern
In response to concerns, Philippe Guelpa-Bonaro called for patience, specifying that several elements of the project remained to be defined, in particular the energy mix. There geothermal energy could in particular play a leading role if the site allows it. In addition, elected officials wanted to reassure the population by affirming that wood boiler rooms respecting environmental standards were already in operation in the metropolis, without causing major nuisance.
A debate on the energy transition
This project illustrates the tensions inherent in energy transition current. While the Metropolis of Lyon strives to limit the use of individual fireplaces to reduce pollution, the establishment of a biomass boiler room questions the coherence of this policy. Defenders of the project evoke a greener and collective solution, while opponents highlight the risks associated with wood burning, both for public health and for the preservation of local forest resources.
Far from being a simple technical project, the Beaunant boiler room highlights complex societal issues, where environmental interests clash with the perceptions and needs of residents. This precarious balance continues to fuel public debate, as opinions differ on the best route to take towards a sustainable energy future.
