Urban community of Béthune Bruay Artois Lys Romane (CABBALR)

The Urban Community of Béthune-Bruay Artois Lys Romane building a sustainable energy future in northern France

This transformation was initiated by the Urban Community of Béthune-Bruay Artois Lys Romane, which includes 100 municipalities and 280,000 inhabitants in an area of 647 km2. In 2018, it initiated a process of industrial revitalization seeking to balance energy needs by gradually replacing fossil fuels with renewable alternatives, thereby contributing to regional efforts to develop a more environmentally-friendly future.

Idex redefines waste management with an Energy Hub in Labeuvrière

Against this backdrop, Idex was commissioned to design, finance, build and operate a new household waste-to-energy plant in Labeuvrière, following an investment of €146 million by both CABBALR and Idex. The new facility will replace Labeuvrière’s existing waste-to-energy plant, improving the efficiency of waste treatment while keeping costs on a tight rein Further, the project is open to participatory financing, enabling the local population to get involved in this promising economic and environmental opportunity.

The project developed by Idex in Labeuvrière is  a progressive initiative in the field of waste management and energy production. More than just a waste-to-energy plant, it is a regional energy hub, strategically located at the heart of the Bruay and Bethune basin. This centre reflects the future of energy production in northern France, focusing on a local, low-carbon approach, in line with industrial needs, energy security for homes and environmental protection.

A key feature of this project lies in the different types of energy produced, including heat (in the form of steam and heat) and electricity. Construction work started in January 2025, with industrial commissioning scheduled for April 2027.

Sustainable energy production and a drastic reduction in waste by 2026

By 2026, the new waste-to-energy plant operated by Idex in Labeuvrière will have doubled its energy output by recovering 230% more waste. This project will contribute to reducing overall quantities of waste by 10% over the next four years. The plant will supply 56 GWh of heat annually to the district heating network in Béthune, boosting its economic and environmental development. At the same time, it will produce 41,300 MWh of steam per year (equivalent to 53,000 tonnes per year), supplying the carbon-free steam required by the CRODA plant, along with 40 GWh of green electricity per year.

The new waste-to-energy plant in  Labeuvrière will have two separate treatment lines for continuous availability. The furnace technology will adapt to different types of waste, while complying with stringent environmental standards, particularly for NOx emissions. The plant is designed to minimise maintenance costs and to remain in service for a period of over 40 years. Idex also wanted its facility to be integrated with the surrounding environment, protecting local biodiversity and minimizing impact on the site.