Heating network

Métropole Européenne de Lille (MEL) is the competent authority for the public heating networks in its region.

What is a district heating network ?  

It is a collective heating solution which is powered by large boilers. The heat circulates through pipes located under the roads in the form of very hot water that delivers heating to blocks of flats.  

What are the benefits of the metropolitan heating network ?  

• A solution for introducing renewable energy and energy recovery to the region on a massive scale
• A competitive solution for consumers that helps combat energy poverty
• A tool that contributes to the local economy by creating jobs that cannot be relocated
• A way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution
• An availability rate of almost 100%

Smoothing out peaks in the demand for power and a reduction in power capacity by pooling the heating needs of several buildings  

What is the benefit to your business ?  

Your building can be connected to the heating network to benefit from the aforementioned benefits and contribute to a decarbonised future.  

You can find a map of the current district heating networks as well as the priority development zones (*) on this map.

The MEL has an ambitious plan to expand and make the metropolitan district heating networks more environmentally friendly, including:

- Expanding the scope of the network currently serving Lille and Wattignies, which will become denser and extend to the towns of La Madeleine, Marcq-en-Baroeul, Loos, and Haubourdin, with construction taking place from 2026 to 2030

- The creation of a public district heating network in Tourcoing starting in 2026

- The adoption by the end of 2024 of the 2nd District Heating Master Plan, which will implement the densification and creation of networks (such as in Seclin, Armentières, and Villeneuve d’Ascq) by 2035

(*) The public networks in Lille, Roubaix, Wattrelos, Mons-en-Baroeul, and Villeneuve-d’Ascq are classified; connection is mandatory in these areas and for any new building or heating system upgrade exceeding 70 kW, unless an exemption is granted.

For more information: District Heating Networks

To request a connection quote or ask technical questions to the MEL’s concessionaire: raccordement.reseau.mel@dalkia.fr

For the Lille network, the concessionaire will review any connection request exceeding 50 kW on an experimental basis. 

• For the Lille grid, the utility will review any connection request exceeding 50 kW on a pilot basis.
• For other grids, the utility will review any connection request exceeding 70 kW. 

For more information, please email us at the following address : classementrcu@lillemetropole.fr