NÎMES Major project at SITOM Sud Gard to modernize its Energy Recovery Unit (UVE)

SITOM Sud Gard is launching a major project to modernize its Energy Recovery Unit (UVE) in Nîmes. This transformation is part of the recent renewal of the Public Service Delegation (DSP) with Veolia, via its subsidiary Evolia Valo Gard, for a period of ten years from July 1, 2024.

The work, carried out by partners who are experts in their field (Boccard; NGE; Ait/Servithen; Ficantierie; Ocean), focuses on four major axes: a drastic reduction in atmospheric emissions, the preservation of resources, the optimization of the production of energy and improving landscape integration.

First stage of this renovation, the installation of 590 m² of high-tech facade incorporating innovative glazing from Immoblade. Based on the principles of bioclimatic design, the work promises a significant improvement in the building's energy efficiency while reducing its environmental impact. The installation of Soliblade glazing, imagined, designed and manufactured by the Immoblade company, makes it possible to block direct solar entrances in the summer and let them pass through the winter thanks to a passive system and therefore maintenance-free.

Improving the energy performance of the installation includes the addition of a new Turbo-Alternator Group (GTA), allowing a 45% increase in electricity production. This energy will power the neighboring Valréna Sorting Center, owned by SITOM Sud Gard, with a surplus of 56 GWh/year redistributed on the electricity network, covering the needs of 25,000 residents. The optimized incineration process will generate 80 GWh of annual thermal energy for the Nîmes Urban Heat Network, heating the equivalent of 17,000 homes. Photovoltaic panels will also be installed in parking areas for UVE self-consumption. This work will take place by September 2025.

The smoke treatment modernization work, which will begin in May 2025, will finally save 17,000 m³ of water per year and reduce natural gas consumption by 75%.

For Richard Tibérino, president of SITOM Sud Gard: “More than just a construction site, this major project represents a leap forward for our region. Today we are building the infrastructure that will shape our waste management and our energy production for decades to come.”

Jean-Marie Tezza, director of Evolia Valo Gard, a subsidiary of Veolia, adds: “We are delighted to collaborate with Immoblade, a highly innovative company based in Occitanie, for this ambitious project. Their SoliBlade technology represents a major advance in the energy efficiency of buildings. Its large-scale application on our site demonstrates the commitment of Veolia and Sitom Sud Gard towards sustainable and innovative solutions. This partnership perfectly illustrates our desire to work with players at the forefront of innovation to respond to current environmental challenges.

The appointment is set for March 2026, at the end of 16 months of construction, in order to discover the new UVE which is more efficient, more respectful of its environment and more innovative.