Miscanthus Project in the Beauvais Urban Area – Phase 2: Planting
Miscanthus Project in the Beauvais Urban Area – Phase 2: Planting
Planting of miscanthus began this April to supply the second district heating network in the Beauvais metropolitan area.
2026 marks the first round of planting: 25 hectares across five farms. The miscanthus plantings will be spread out over three years, eventually reaching 150 hectares in priority water catchment areas within the metropolitan area.
Water Quality and Energy Production
Miscanthus cultivation combines water quality protection with biomass energy production. The urban area’s Water Department therefore supported the project’s development on the agricultural side, liaising with the energy departments. As a result, dozens of producers in the urban area are interested in this crop, which requires very few inputs, is profitable, and is part of a regional initiative.
Ultimately, the farms participating in the project will be organized into an economic interest group (EIG)
At Novabiom, we are involved in the agronomic aspects of the project and are acting as a facilitator for the establishment of a Beauvais-based supply chain dedicated to the district heating network. In fact, the future miscanthus producers are currently organizing themselves into an economic interest group (EIG). It is this EIG that will ensure the supply of fuel to the heating plant through a very short supply chain.
Initially, Novabiom signed a supply contract with Dalkia. To supply the boiler room, we will purchase miscanthus from the producers involved in the project. In a second phase, once the economic interest group (GIE) is up and running—with logistics and sales administration in place—the farmers will take over through their joint organization.
The signed supply contract is valid for 20 years. It is therefore a win-win situation, offering these agricultural regions a secure and meaningful diversification.