From local energy to cleaner heat: Ivry-sur-Seine’s journey
The French city is interconnecting renewable heat networks to achieve climate neutrality by 2050
Fossil-free citiesAbout
In the French city of Ivry-sur-Seine, located just south-east of Paris, the municipality has set an ambitious goal: to reach climate neutrality by 2050. Its strategy relies heavily on the decarbonisation of district heating networks. The city’s main sources of greenhouse gas emissions stem from its infrastructure including public buildings, private housing, and social housing stock – which together account for nearly 35% of total emissions.
A dual network powering the energy transition
Ivry-sur-Seine’s decarbonisation strategy relies on two district heating networks: an older one in the city centre, powered by heat recovered from the local waste incineration plant, and a newer one along the Seine riverfront neighbourhoods, supplied by geothermal energy since 2017.
The two systems are now interconnected, allowing the city to reach an impressive 75% share of renewable energy in its urban heating. In addition, by 2026, it aims to reduce the energy consumption of municipal buildings by 30%. This strong performance is part of a broader approach to controlled, sustainable urban development, with the clear objective of providing stable, affordable, and low-carbon heat to all residents.
Control and collaboration
By ending a long-standing public service concession, the municipality has created a local public heating authority. More than a technical body, this authority has been designed as a democratic space. Local residents’ associations, consumer organisations, and environmental groups take part in decision-making, sit on the board, and help define the service’s strategic directions. Together, they are working to introduce social pricing mechanisms to ensure fair access to energy, while also diversifying heat sources to gradually reduce dependence on waste incineration.
Ivry-sur-Seine aims to go even further by strengthening cooperation with neighbouring municipalities that share the same commitment to renewable heat. The goal is to exchange best practices, pool expertise, and reinforce energy sovereignty at both local and European levels. This collaborative approach also aligns with the EU Energy Efficiency Directive, which encourages coordinated local planning for efficient and renewable heating systems.
Let’s hear from Clément Pecqueux, Deputy Mayor of Ivry-sur-Seine, as he shares how the city is transforming its heating networks to reach climate neutrality.
