‘Kind of miracle solution’: How Paris is harnessing the Seine to replace air-con
Summary
Paris has developed a large network that uses cold water from the Seine River to cool buildings instead of many air conditioners. This system sends chilled water through underground pipes to public places like museums and hospitals, helping the city deal with heat while using less energy.Key Facts
- Paris started planning this cooling network in the 1990s.
- The system has 120 km (75 miles) of underground pipes delivering cold water to many public buildings.
- Cold Seine River water cools warm water from buildings through a heat exchanger without mixing the two fluids.
- The water is returned to the Seine slightly warmer but within safe environmental limits.
- The city owns the network, which is run by companies including Engie and RATP under a contract renewed in 2022.
- There are plans to triple the network’s size by 2042 to reach over 3,000 buildings across Paris.
- The goal is to reduce the need for individual air conditioners that release heat into the streets.
- The system helps fight the urban heat island effect and improves energy efficiency.
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