The SICASIL is Full of (Sustainable) Energy!
SICASIL inaugurates its third micro-hydroelectric plant
Sustainably preserving water resources and bringing a concrete, innovative and exemplary contribution to the energy security of the Alpes-Maritimes is the motto of SICASIL, in charge of the drinking water public service of the Cannes basin. The SICASIL has inaugurated on December 4, the third micro-hydroelectric plant installed on the potable water system, located Chemin de l’Ecluse in Pégomas.
The "switch" was triggered by David Lisnard, president of SICASIL in the presence of Gilbert Pibou, Mayor of Pégomas, delegates of the syndicate, elected officials of the city, department, region, as well as representatives of associations and administrations.
The new La Bastidasse equipment with a capacity of 180 KW allows additional production of 500 MWh, equivalent to the annual consumption of 250 households. This new production site combined with the ones of the Reservoir des Ames in Vallauris and La Marigarde in Grasse, is bringing now up to 1100 MWh the SICASIL's hydroelectric generating capacity over twelve months, equivalent to the annual consumption of 550 households.
The SICASIL become involved as a pioneer, in 2006, in the development of renewable energy based on the solar and hydraulic potential of its heritage. In addition, these devices offer new revenue for the public service of water: the electricity production is indeed totally sold to EDF. Harnessing drinking water to drive turbine is an innovative and pragmatic approach to renewable energy production, based on the driving force of the water, which reflects the the SICASIL's growing commitment to preserve the environment and natural resources.
This technological but also environmentally challenge is of no negative impact on the environment because the "soft" electricity production is based on the use of drop heights available on the distribution of water network, the energy potential of which being lost up to know.
This is a major project which will allow, in the end, to develop a total power of 840 KW for an average producible of 3500 MWh/year, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of 1,700 households or 60% of the SICASIL's annual electricity consumption required for the operation of production facilities and distribution of drinking water.
The total cost of the three micro-hydroelectric plant works amount to 1.4 million euros is receiving financial support by the region Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, the ADEME, the FEDER and the General Council of the Alpes-Maritimes. With the financial support of these organizations and the strict control of the budget, the time for return on investment for these three facilities is 7 years.
The city of Pegomas is going to develop micro-hydroelectric projects based on the use of water from the river Siagne and its affluents. The proof that drinking water is full of energy.
