23-05-2025
France unveils its first 'positive energy' neighbourhood, powering local pride
Fontaine d'Ouche, a social housing district in Dijon, is setting the pace for energy innovation in Europe. Thanks to solar panels, smart tech and deep renovations, the neighbourhood now produces more energy than it consumes.
More than 10,000 square metres of solar panels have been installed across the area. Along with energy upgrades and new technologies, the project has turned this working-class part of central France into a model for sustainable living.
Around 8,000 people live in Fontaine d'Ouche, with some 1,100 residents in the main renovation zone where social housing units are now fitted with solar panels.
The energy produced is shared and partly owned by the community.
"We produce 118 percent of our energy needs," says Massar N'Diaye, deputy mayor in charge of social economy and jobs, who grew up and still lives in the neighbourhood. "So we're producing more than we consume and the rest can be sold on."
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Officially inaugurated on Friday, Fontaine d'Ouche is France's first positive energy neighbourhood (PED).
The pilot project is being co-led by Dijon and the Finnish city of Turku. It forms part of the European Union's Green Deal and long-term goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
Local residents are already feeling tangible benefits.
The EU is aiming for 100 positive energy districts by 2025.
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