Evolution of agriculture or outdated energy? Near Nantes, a mega methanizer project divides inhabitants and breeders

This Saturday, September 17, a new demonstration brings together opponents of the mega methanizer project of Corcoue-sur-Logne (Loire-Atlantique). At heart of this mobilization, we find the association “Collectif Vigilance Méthanisation Corcoué” (CVMC), which has been on the front line for two years, when it rose up against this project.

Even if this project comes at a time when the question of France’s energy independence is being raised more and more, many voices are raised against it. The CVMC association is fighting the industrial dimension of the methanisation plant, which plans to process 370,000 tonnes of manure and slurry per year when it comes into service in 2023. “We are talking about eight tanks that will be more than 20 meters high”describes Mauricette Couëron, who is part of the collective.

“It represents a five-storey building and three 50-meter high chimneys. It will really be a wart in the town. The size of the project requires trucks to pass on roads that are not at all suitable.”

Mauricette Couëron, member of the CVMC association

at franceinfo

To set up this project, breeders of the agricultural cooperative of Herbauges have joined forces with a Danish company, “Nature Energy“, which must ensure the construction. According to the project, the plant would absorb the manure and slurry of 200 breeders to produce methane, which would then be injected into the network after construction of several kilometers of pipeline.

“It is an evolution of agriculture, today a farmer-breeder can contribute to energy sovereignty“, assures the president of the cooperative Guillaume Voineau, who defends an association”virtuous“. He recognizes a critical but necessary size to guarantee profitability: “The point is to use our manure and slurry to produce gas. Of course, it must be economically viable“.

“We have to find the right compromise between a respectable size and an economically viable project.”

Guillaume Voineau, president of the agricultural cooperative of Herbauges

at franceinfo

But this project is going against the grain. The department and the municipality of Corcoué-sur-Logne have issued unfavorable opinions. “The gas era is like the oil era, it is a conception of energy production that is based on the discoveries of the 19e century“, tackles the mayor of the commune Claude Naud. He denounces a coupling financial “against nature” and an “energy exceeded“. For the moment, the project is at a standstill. The factory does not have a building permit and the public inquiry has not been launched.