A diversified detox mix for an integrated approach in Brest

Located in the far northwest of France, Brest is renowned for its Naval Academy, historic port, and its role as a hub for marine sciences and technologies. Its geographic location brings cool summers, but frequent rainfall and cold weather year-round make heating a crucial factor in the city's decarbonisation efforts. Addressing these climatic challenges is key to Brest's sustainable future.

A diversified detox mix

Brest aims to break free from fossil fuels and all the negative impacts they bring to improve the city’s liveability. As 30% of Brest’s CO2 emissions come from heating, decarbonising the heating sector presents a significant opportunity to cut down on emissions and build a cleaner environment. In this endeavour, Brest has planned a diversified detox mix, including solar energy, waste incineration, and biomass.

Collective effort for common success

To bring this ambitious plan to life, Brest requires full engagement from all stakeholders, supported by a strong awareness campaign about the importance of decarbonising heating. Success hinges on well-funded, skilled local engineering, alongside the essential support of agencies at both national and European levels. Equally crucial is the political will to drive and sustain these efforts.  

An integrated plan in motion

With its detox mix ready, and support from all the stakeholders guaranteed, Brest is ready to expand its already 55-kilometre-long district heating system and create new ones, powered by household waste incineration and a biomass boiler system. As this plan evolves, an important objective adjacent to the city’s mission is to tackle energy poverty.

Main challenges to detoxify heat: 

1. The cheap price of gas
2. Gathering the help of national and European agencies
3. The fight against energy poverty 

Next Steps:

1. Create new DH systems to complement the current 55km network
2. Add more solar panel plants 

Where they are in the heat strategy

Brest's Heat Detox

Key Heat Figures

• Emissions related to heating: 30%
  • another 20% of the city's emissions come from agriculture, which includes heating greenhouses
• Km of DHC currently: 55 km

Covenant Figures

• Signatory to the Covenant of Mayors since:  2009

• Emission reduction ambitions:  

  % GHG emissions reductions by 2030: 40%

  % GHG emissions reductions by 2050: 100%