Gardanne Biomass Plant Faces Scrutiny Over Rising Costs and Environmental Concerns

The Gardanne power plant in France, undergoing conversion from coal to biomass, is facing renewed criticism following a report from the Court of Auditors. The report warns that the project’s costs could escalate to as much as €1.5 billion, significantly exceeding the initial estimate of €800 million, raising questions about the economic viability and environmental impact of the conversion.

Court of Auditors Report Highlights Cost Overruns

The Court of Auditors’ observations, published on February 26, 2026, castigate the substantial state support for the decarbonization and reconversion of the coal-fired power plant into a biomass facility. The report suggests that, under certain scenarios, public finances could bear a cost of up to €1.5 billion [1]. This figure is nearly double the originally projected €800 million over eight years.

GazelEnergie Defends the Project

GazelEnergie, the operator of the Gardanne plant, dismissed the cost concerns as a misrepresentation of the project’s complexities. Camille Jaffrelo, a spokesperson for GazelEnergie, emphasized the social and territorial considerations, pointing to previous social plans related to the closure of local mines and the coal unit. She argued that evaluating the financial aspects without acknowledging the operational and social realities of the region is insufficient [1].

Environmental Concerns Raised

Environmental associations have voiced strong objections to the project, echoing concerns about the sustainability of biomass energy. Critics argue that burning wood, even from sustainable sources, releases carbon dioxide and that the time it takes for forests to recapture that carbon is too long to align with climate goals. Luc le Mouel, administrator of the ALNP (Association for the Fight against Nuisances and Pollution of Gardanne), questioned the rationale of investing heavily in a plant that operates only six months a year and produces electricity at four times the normal price [1].

Jean-Luc Debard, secretary of the CEPG (Ecological Convergence of the Pays de Gardanne), highlighted the ecological implications of burning trees that have taken decades to capture carbon, arguing that it is ecologically and financially unsustainable [1].

Legal and Environmental Impact Assessments

The Gardanne case has been subject to legal scrutiny, with both the Administrative Court and the Council of State highlighting the significant environmental impacts of the facility [2]. These legal challenges underscore the importance of thorough environmental impact assessments, particularly concerning the entire value chain of bioenergy facilities.

Future Outlook

Even as the Court of Auditors has not yet issued recommendations, the future of the Gardanne power station remains uncertain. The ongoing debate highlights the challenges of transitioning to renewable energy sources and the need for careful consideration of both economic and environmental factors. The project’s fate will likely depend on further evaluation of its costs, benefits, and long-term sustainability.