Ecological change: in Saint-Avold, a working town in the Moselle, “everything has accelerated in recent years”

2024-08-29 09:04:12

After having occupied the news of the war in Ukraine, with the relaunch of its waste coal factory in order to revive the country’s electricity production, the working-class city of Saint-Avold, in the Moselle, continues its changes. It is now at the forefront of the economic scene in the Grand Est. The place, therefore, is not among the destinations that are automatically targeted by tourist networks. On the other hand, it is especially appreciated by economic and industrial networks. The figures put forward by the city area make the area one of the most popular in recent years. Better yet, they show a real identity change.

Yesterday standing around its large Emile-Huchet power station and historic coal mining, Saint-Avold is now engaged in a major industrial renewal project, towards a green economy and sustainable development. “Everything has accelerated in recent years,” said Salvatore Coscarella, president of the Saint-Avold Synergie Urban District. The figures speak for themselves: almost two billion euros of planned investments.

VideoMoselle: the highest tower of the power station Saint-Avold dynamited

From black to green with nearly 2,500 jobs at risk

A new discovery, the Circa company will be the first in the world to recycle sawdust into green chemistry products, especially liquids, within a few months. With, at risk, 50 jobs and almost 50 million euros have been invested for production which will start next year. This, while the coal plant plans to close its operations in the short term, no later than 2027. From black to green. With this dramatic change, the city is expected to benefit, within two years, from 2,500 additional jobs.

Therefore, we must prepare the conditions of reception, accommodation and activities for the arrival of the staff, especially the authorities. “Of course, we are not far from Metz (Moselle), but the needs will be important at the regional level,” continued Salvatore Coscarella. Responsible for the production mission, Thierry Zimny ​​​​also manages the concentration of requests from twelve installations, especially in promising areas, such as hydrogen.

Parkes (recycling), Circa, Arkema (chemistry), Ursa (insulators)… And all the residents of the region support this revolution with kindness, with responsible ep for environmental protection. “In the emotional books of public questions, the pages are empty,” Salvatore Coscarella emphasized.