This guest spot gave Veolia's CEO the ideal opportunity to set minds at rest and offer reassurance amidst the energy crisis striking the country, because the solutions exist. All that remains is to ramp them up across the country.
Time for a closer look.
Are we accelerating the energy transition?
Such was the title of the programme. On this particular topic, Estelle Brachlianoff showed that she was more than determined by stating: "We're ready. We've got the solutions. If we equipped all the wastewater treatment plants and all the landfills in France to produce biogas, we'd be capable of replacing 25% of the gas imported from Russia within five years." She added: "The tanks are full for winter, so there's no need for concern in the very short term. We've been spurred into action, so let's harness that driving force to go one step further and cover our medium and long-term needs by using these new energy sources across the country."
Be more economical and efficient
"Just like our company's ambition of becoming energy self-sufficient in France within the next five years by producing just as much energy as we consume, we have to raise greater awareness of the need to be more economical and efficient," she insisted, "if we're to protect our natural resources while developing such alternative resources as wastewater and waste". She concluded: "It's a local, country-wide and affordable energy. We tick all the boxes. It's good for citizens, the wallet and the planet, so let's do it!"
A simplified framework for improving efficiency
But to really put the energy transition into high gear, it will take more than local authorities investing and companies like Veolia bringing their technology and expertise to the table. The regulatory framework still needs to be simplified. As Estelle Brachlianoff explained: "As things currently stand, if you want to open a biogas plant, you face an uphill struggle. You need to do all the rounds and convince three ministries, one after the other. The procedure needs to be streamlined." But she believes in it, and the difficulties involved do nothing to dampen her optimism. But watch out, because she stressed that: "I'm an optimist in all my actions and beliefs."
