The European Investment Bank has approved a € 112 million (US$122 million) loan to France Biomasse for the construction of four biomass power plants in France.
France Biomasse is a subsidiary of Engie, formerly known as GDF Suez. These cogeneration plants with a capavity of between 20 to 60 megawatts are located in Forbach, Epinal, Lacq and Nantes, and will replace existing fossil fuel-fired facilities.
The biomass plants will primarily be fuelled by regional wood. The heat generated will be channelled to district heating systems or industrial users and, in the case of cogeneration, the power will be pumped into the national grid.