FRANCE – CBN
Biomass cogeneration

CBN (Cogeneration Biomasse de Novillars) is a biomass cogeneration plant with a capacity of 20 MW electrical and 23 MW thermal, located in Novillars in the Doubs department (in the eastern France). The plant produces more than 150,000 MWh of electricity and 140,000 MWh of renewable thermal energy each year.

The plant has been awarded a 20-year power purchase agreement with EDF after a CRE4 tender (tenders launched by the French Energy Commission).

The thermal energy produced is sold via a long-term off-take contract to the Gemdoubs cardboard factory, a long-standing local player in the sector that produces packaging cardboard. The plant also supplies the public heating network of the commune of Novillars, in partnership with the General Council and ADEME, which includes social housing, a hospital and other administration buildings.

CBN is operated and supplied with fuel by SABED located on the same site.

SABED observes an extremely strict environmental charter and ensures the supply of a sustainable wood resource.

Environmental impacts Units 2022 Residual life 
Renewable electrical energy   MWhe 146 500 5 183 000
Renewable thermal energy   MWth 197 800 6 842 500
Avoided emissions  tCO2 82 900 2 892 900
Biomass sourcing: regional forest residues – 100% of the biomass is coming from less than 500 km – RED II certification in progress
Social impacts Units Headcount
Direct jobs related to operations FTE 30
Direct jobs related to the biomass supply chain  FTE 102
Direct jobs in industrial activities maintained FTE 72
Population served with electricity Households 27 800