Page 11 - Monaco Economy 119

SMEG: Spotlight on Green Energy

Renewable energies and, in particular, those from the sea are an important lever for decarbonising the energy
consumed in Monaco.

Monaco: pioneer in heat pumps months by thalasso-thermal loops. Under the At the end of 2017, the Monégasque state and
“The Principality is a leader in the field of energy same trademark, seaWergie, these are the SMEG created the company Monaco Energie
recovery from the sea. We recover heat energy subject of a specific concession which brings Renouvelable (MER), with the mission of seeking
from the Mediterranean to heat and cool buildings together the expertise of three Monégasque investment and development opportunities in
and also to produce domestic hot water. This companies**. “After the first major phase of renewable energy production projects in France.
system even inspired the setting up of the urban works which will last around another two years, “So far, we are in a tenant-like situation with regard
network in the port of Marseille,” explains Christian Monaco will then be able to rely on additional to the hydroelectricity that we buy. The objective
Philippon, Director of Urban Heating and Cooling local production of around 35 GWh of carbon-free is to become the owner of our own solar panel
Activities at SMEG. energy, representing a reduction of 6,025 tonnes parks and wind farms. Currently, and after only
In Monaco, the first seawater heat pump was of CO2, for the benefit of 3,500 housing units. We four years of existence, MER already has solar
installed at the Rainier III swimming pool in are doubling the stake compared to Fontvieille!” and wind assets capable of covering 23% of
1963. “This technology, already innovative at the says Christian Philippon with a smile. By 2023, the country’s consumption. Achieving 100% is a
time, has evolved a lot, giving way to ever-more thanks to these two new networks, Monaco will be matter of autonomy and energy independence. We
efficient energy installations. “In fact, whilst able to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by will control both the production of our renewable
being connected to the waste recovery plant for 7%. This spring, a first building was connected to electricity and its cost. This represents security
optimal use of its steam*, the Fontvieille heat and La Condamine, joined at the beginning of July by for the Monégasque consumer, who will be
cold production plant is also connected to an the Larvotto shops and business who are amongst much less exposed to the volatility of the price
underground seawater pumping station located the first beneficiaries of this green network. of energy,” judges Pierfranck Pelacchi.
beside the heliport. “This drawing of seawater What will the impact be on the consumer’s wallet?
at a depth of 110 metres allows the connected 100% green electricity by 2030 “Residents and small businesses (using less than
buildings to be conditioned in a sustainable The objective is ambitious: from 2030, Monaco 36 kVA) benefit from green electricity at our Go
and ecological manner. From 2013 onwards, it wishes to supply 100% green electricity, for rate at no additional cost. For large accounts,
enabled the elimination of cooling towers that all the needs of its territory. “Today, 75% of volumes are more significant and membership
operated with portable water (100,000 m3 per the electricity supplied in the Principality is of of our Egeo renewable electricity programme
year, or 33 Olympic swimming pools-full) and renewable origin, compared to 25% of so-called remains a voluntary process that is part of an
significantly reduced electricity consumption, conventional energy (mostly nuclear). We buy environmental commitment by these customers.
preserving natural resources. this green energy from French producers, mainly There are still 25% of them to be convinced,” adds
Following forerunner Fontvieille, Larvotto and La hydraulic power stations in the region,” explains Pierfranck Pelacchi.
Condamine have also been supplied for several Pierfranck Pelacchi, SMEG’s Commercial Director.
*Steam from waste recovery is used to produce electricity, heating and air conditioning. **SMEG, SOGET, MES

© Depositphotos/CaptainPrince

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