“Haliotis 2: The Innovative Wastewater Treatment Plant promoting circular economy and producing renewable energy”

« This structuring project will take our territory one step ahead by producing new sources of carbon-free energy, by processing microplastics, by anticipating future environmental standards or by promoting the circular economy through massive reuse. treated wastewater “, has reported Christian Estrosipresident of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis and mayor of Nice, during the presentation of the project on April 20 (see photo), in the company of Sabrina Sousan, CEO of Suez, a group whose subsidiary Degremont France is leading the design, construction and operation of the site, as part of a global performance market (MGP). ” Beyond its purification performance, Haliotis 2 will be part of the circular economy by producing sustainable resources and renewable energy. ,” asked Sabrina Soussan. « By producing four times more energy than it consumes today, Haliotis 2 will contribute to the territory’s energy independence and establish itself as a real “resource factory”. By its scale, its innovative nature, its commitment to a circular and sustainable economy, Haliotis 2 will be a benchmark for wastewater treatment adapted to the major challenges of our century. “, she assured.

©City of Nice

pilot unit

The future Haliotis will be able to produce biogas (from sludge from wastewater treatment), recover heat (by recovering calories from treated wastewater before discharge into the sea), produce heat (thanks to the power heat from dried sewage sludge) and produce electricity (with the installation of photovoltaic panels).

The production of biomethane will allow you to choose between heating 11,000 homes or running 290 buses. The designers of the project also want to reassure local residents. ” The landscape and architectural integration has been particularly careful to respect the exceptional setting of the Promenade des Anglais. The environment of the station will be enhanced to preserve the living environment of local residents thanks to a revegetation of the site favoring the permeabilization of the soil, while eliminating the risk of odors “, can we read in the press kit. Haliotis 2, which will require a total investment of 700 million euros and will treat wastewater from 26 municipalities, will be built on the site of the current wastewater treatment plant. Work should begin in July 2024 and commissioning will take place gradually from 2025.

Full operation of the new complex is scheduled for June 2030. From this summer, a first pilot reuse unit will be created to water the green spaces of Nice.

Haliotis 2 in 8 figures

700 million euros of investment

26 municipalities concerned, i.e. 680,000 inhabitants

90 % microplastics eliminated

28 deodorization towers

600 trees and hedges planted

15 000 tons of CO2 equivalent avoided each year from 2030

At least 15 local businesses mobilized

260 total jobs created