Inauguration of the methanization unit at the Verdié wastewater treatment plant: the Saur group and Grand Montauban accelerate the region's energy transition

A structuring project for the region's water and energy transition

Designed and built by Stereau, then operated by Saur France, the methanization unit now recycles sludge from wastewater treatment by producing biomethane that is injected into the GRDF gas network at a rate of 5 GWh/year, equivalent to the consumption of 1,200 households. The site now has a treatment capacity of 103,500 population equivalents, in line with the demographic dynamics of the region.

At the same time, the treated water reuse system (REUT) saves up to 100,000 m³ of drinking water per year, which is reinjected locally for irrigation of the golf course and racecourse. This is a concrete response to growing pressure on water resources.

Designed as a showcase for environmental transition, the site features an educational trail and a digital monitoring tool. This initiative aims to raise awareness among the general public, schoolchildren, and local stakeholders about the preciousness of water and the importance of eco-friendly practices throughout the year.

Collective action for a sustainable future

This €15 million project was made possible thanks to the support of Grand Montauban and the Adour-Garonne Water Agency. It illustrates the long-term commitment of the urban community, a CAP’CITERGIE-certified local authority, to the objectives of its Territorial Climate-Air-Energy-Water Plan (PCAEET), which aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

The collaboration between Grand Montauban and the Saur group is part of a long-standing partnership. In 2012, the dedicated company GEM (Gestion de l’Environnement de Montauban) was created to support the Montauban contract. Then, in 2021, with the transfer of water and sanitation responsibilities to the Grand Montauban Urban Community (GMCA), a new milestone was reached with the creation of the O’dalba service brand, dedicated to the management of collective and non-collective sanitation and stormwater. This development reflects a shared desire to ensure continuity of service while strengthening local roots and environmental innovation.

The unit was inaugurated on Thursday, September 18, in the presence of Patrick Blethon, Executive Chairman of the Saur group, and Marie-Claude Berly, President of Grand Montauban, with the support of Brigitte Barèges, Mayor of Montauban and President of Grand Montauban until August 2024, and municipal councilor.

"The Montauban anaerobic digestion plant embodies our commitment to working with local authorities to develop practical, sustainable solutions to water and energy challenges. We are proud to be supporting Grand Montauban in this exemplary ecological transformation. "

Patrick Blethon

CEO of Saur

"This methanization unit is part of our commitment to addressing the challenge of water resources while continuing to build the future of our region. It demonstrates our commitment to accelerating the ecological transition of Grand Montauban. "

Marie-Claude Berly

President of Grand Montauban

Download the press release

Inauguration of the methanization unit at the Verdié wastewater treatment plant: the Saur group and Grand Montauban accelerate the region's energy transition

Download