Environment

Environment advantages of the Mont de Terre power station and heat distribution network are very significant.

1. The CHP (combined heat and power) system brings substantial energy savings and emits 30% less greenhouse-effect gas (CO2) than would separate heat and power plants.
2. A single large plant emits much less pollution per kW than many small boilers, which is why systems such as that used at Lille received specific encouragement from the French clean air bill of 1996. Atmospheric discharge (of CO, NOx, SO2, dust, etc.) from the gas turbine and coal- or gas-fired boilers is well below the minimum thresholds set by current regulations.
3. The heat distribution network accommodates multiple energy sources (natural gas, biomass, coal, etc.) and simultaneous production of heat of electricity.