Equans is installing and maintaining the centralised energy production unit that is to be one of the power sources for one of the largest urban networks in Wallonia.
When it comes to setting up a sustainable and smart energy system, Equans is always there! In collaboration with IGRETEC, the intermunicipal economic development and land-use planning body for the Charleroi region, Equans is taking part in the "Charleroi Creative District" project on behalf of the city. Its objective? Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from Charleroi's public buildings. This innovative project involves implementing a heating network extending over several kilometres. Equans is in charge of building and maintaining a branch of the network, as well as the centralised heating plant. What makes it original? A high-performance control system that makes the infrastructure open and smart...
Centralised heating plant
A heating network is a thermal energy distribution system that enables heating several buildings from a centralised source. The benefits? Reducing energy losses and cutting fossil fuel consumption. As part of the "Charleroi Creative District" project - which also includes the renovation of the Palais des Expositions - the goal is to build a large-scale urban heating network linking the city's public buildings, with the aim of more efficient use of energy.
How does it work?
"The centralised energy production unit will be built in the basement of the Palais des Expositions," explains Jean-Jacques Legay, Project Manager at Equans. "We decided on a mix of boilers with an output of 11 MW and gas cogeneration with an electrical output of 550 kW. The advantage of cogeneration is that it can be used to produce both heat and electricity, which further reduces the project’s environmental impact.” A total of six substations will distribute the thermal energy supplied by the power station to the various buildings connected to the network. Five of them will be used to heat the Palais des Expositions and the Palais des Beaux-Arts, located next door to each other. The sixth will supply hot water to a branch of the urban network.
Intelligence and sustainability
In terms of control, the network will be equipped with a smart system that will contribute to finer, more precise management of energy distribution. Programmed by our teams, this system avoids unnecessary consumption by switching on the boilers only when necessary and automatically adjusting the water temperature according to the specific needs of each user. To reduce waste to a minimum, it will also enable heat recovery from buildings that will be connected to the network at a later date (such as industries for example) and redistribute it to those who need it. This open control model will gradually increase the city's energy independence.
Underground and in the air
Collectors, pumps, valves, fibre optics... As part of this project, our teams are responsible for the installation of all the electromechanical equipment needed to ensure that the network runs smoothly. From the installation of underground or above-ground piping to the connection of boilers or the installation of the cogeneration unit, they carry out each project in compliance with the constraints and planning of the other trades involved in the renovation of Charleroi's upper city.
Total guarantee
Work began in early 2023 and should be completed by the end of the year. At that time, Equans will remain at the service of the town, taking care of the maintenance and energy management of the facilities for a period of two years. This total guarantee contract covers the entire heating plant and district heating network. A 24/7 breakdown service will be available to managers in the event of a problem. Future visitors to the Palais des Expositions and the Palais des Beaux-Arts will be able to enjoy the facilities with complete peace of mind!