While energy prices are skyrocketing, the small Upper Rhine town of Bernwiller is doing well. Because for several years, all the inhabitants have been warming themselves with miscanthus. Much cheaper than gas or firewood, this plant from Asia delights the mayor, Patrick Baur.
Especially at an economic level: the heating produced by the miscanthus costs eight cents per kWh compared to the current fifteen cents for electricity.
“Everything is done in the village, in a short circuit”
For ten years, this municipality in Alsace has invested to make the most of this plant. Two boiler rooms that use miscanthus as fuel now supply the entire infrastructure.
The advantage is also ecological: this plant grows alone, without chemical fertilizers, it does not require maintenance and it is harvested in spring before being transformed into small chips. “Everything is done in the city, in a short circuit,” says Patrick Baur.
Farmers in the region cultivate no less than 27 hectares of miscanthus, says France Bleu.
And this exploitation also protects consumers of this fuel from any risk of price fluctuations. “Unlike other energies, whose prices are skyrocketing,” says Patrick Baur, who receives calls from elected officials from all over France, who also want to halve their energy bills.
Source: BFM TV
