On 13th & 14th November the GRITH consortium converged once again – this time in Dunkirk (FR). History, economy, and the strategic sea-side location formed the regional backdrop, Pôlenergie ‘s excellent organisation and an inspiring programme did the rest. It was a powerful, energizing mix which fired two days of valuable exchange between the partners.
Grégory Desmidt, Pôlernergie
Strategies & shared insights
Kicking off discussions on the challenges and solutions all regions are facing in relation to the energy transition at industrial sites, Grégory Desmidt, Head of Major Projects at Pôlenergie, introduced the background, history and decarbonisation strategy in Dunkirk. He was followed by speakers from Yokogawa (Joris Mertens and Khalid Chabab) who then shared deeper insights with more detailed perspectives and expertise.
Héloise Blandin, from Hauts-de-France Region, explained the rev3 stategy, which aims to support the transformation of the region around 3 innovative and interrelated transitions:
- Reducing energy consumption (through energy efficiency), particularly of fossil fuels
- Increasing/optimising the production, storage and distribution of carbon-free energy (particularly renewable).
- Preserving natural resources (raw and secondary materials, water, biomass), and encouraging carbon storage
Major industrial hub
GRITH partners also heard more from Xavier Deraine about ‘Dunkerque L’énergie Créative’ which focusses on the territory’s commitment to economic innovation and its development as a major economic industrial hub. This project tests new models of urban development, improving regional quality by combining environmental protection, economic development and social cohesion
Energy consumption in France
Gravelines nuclear plant
Highlight of our latest partner meeting was the exceptional opportunity to visit the Gravelines nuclear power plant. This impressive EDF nuclear site is the biggest in France and the second largest in Europe - six reactors produce enough to cover 9% of the country’s electricity consumption.
It was an enriching experience for all, as it allowed an improved understanding and inside view of the impressive technology, and the key role of nuclear power in the energy mix.
Midterm inventory
Continuing on day 2, GRITH partners discussed the project’s midterm status, shared updates and created a clear inventory of what has been developed so far in terms of policies, strategies and recommendations, pilots underway and initial outcomes.
Looking ahead, topics and dates were set for new online workshops. These sessions are a particularly succesful aspect of the GRITH collaboration, allowing partners and extended networks to join experts and take a deeper dive into relevant themes such as: Energy Communities, Policy recommendations, and much more.
GRITH visit to the Gravelines Nuclear Power Plant
Searching for synergies
GRITH is one of many energy transition projects so we are continuously looking for synergies with other projects and investigating exchange. Super Smart Charging Hub (SSCH), for example, is a sister project under the Interreg North Sea flag, aiming to enable the uptake of Super Smart Charging Hubs technologies for 25 SMEs, addressing the grid challenges caused by the increase of BEV electricity demand and supply from renewable energy. GRITH partners, particularly in Drenthe, are also facing major challenges with grid congestion and could benefit greatly from knowledge exchange.
Many thanks to our colleagues at Pôlenergie for the excellent organisation and warm hospitality! We look foward to meeting again next time in Borås.