A cooling network is a system of underground pipes passing water or very cold liquid that can be used for air conditioning in buildings.
Its promoters explain that these networks offer a less energy-consuming alternative than individual air conditioning systems.
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Engie is on familiar ground.
It is its wholly-owned subsidiary, Climespace, which has already been operating the network since 1991.
“The new twenty-year concession will cover the production, storage, transport and distribution of refrigeration energy for the city
, explains the energy company in a press release.
With a forecast turnover of 2.4 billion euros over the duration of the contract, the network will be extended by 158 km by 2042 to serve new customers in all the districts of Paris. "
The hot water network to follow
Currently the largest cooling network in Europe, it is used to air condition 780 buildings, including shopping centers and cultural sites.
Over the next few years, it will supply more than 300 additional buildings, including nurseries, hospitals and schools.
"Through this contract, we will provide our expertise in the area of underground networks
,
"
said RATP.
The call for tenders for the cooling network precedes the upcoming one for the city of Paris heating network, which is much more strategic.
The latter must be brought back into play in 2022, for a decision in 2024. It is historically managed by Engie as well, but is of interest to many competitors, such as Dalkia or Idex.
The Paris heating network, still partially fueled by coal but also by biomass or via the combustion of household waste, provides heating for a quarter of the buildings in the capital.
It also supplies energy to 16 heating networks in the metropolis.