The VALTOM Project: A Unique Case Study in Europe
This foundation of expertise is exemplified by the project carried out with VALTOM—the public authority responsible for the treatment and recovery of household waste in the Puy-de-Dôme and northern Haute-Loire regions, located in Auvergne. This is the first facility in Europe capable of simultaneously processing and upgrading two distinct biogas streams:
- Biogas from the Puy-Long non-hazardous waste storage site, generated by the fermentation of commercial and industrial waste
- Biogas from the Vernéa household waste recovery center’s anaerobic digestion unit
Hybrid biogas transport: two pipelines convey biogas from a non-hazardous waste landfill (ISDND) and a methanization unit, which are then combined for energy recovery.
The integration of these two sources into a single WAGABOX® unit required four years of work, carried out in partnership with VALTOM and in close coordination with government authorities, to adapt a regulatory framework that had previously been unsuitable for mixed injection. At the European level, no specific feed-in tariff existed for such a system at the time, making its development uncertain. The determination of all stakeholders ultimately led to contract signature in 2022, followed by successful commissioning in December 2024.
This project demonstrates the modularity of the WAGABOX® system:
- Thanks to its tolerance for high nitrogen and oxygen content, the addition of biogas from the methanization unit was technically achievable without major modifications
- In the event of changes in landfill gas production volumes, the unit can continue operating in “single-gas” mode using only methanization biogas, with removal of the cryogenic column—a planned and reversible transition
From an energy perspective, the unit produces up to 15 GWh of biomethane per year, injected into the GrDF network—enough to supply 2,000 households or power 60 urban buses running on BioCNG (BioGNV). It also avoids the emission of approximately 2,500 tonnes of fossil CO₂ annually, while contributing to the region’s energy independence.
Beyond the figures, this project represents a major step forward in integrated, local management of organic resources, fully aligned with carbon neutrality and circular economy objectives. It also demonstrates that technological innovation can go hand in hand with economic competitiveness.
The circular economy in the VALTOM example.
At a glance
Tailored Solutions for Every Resource Stream
Waga Energy analyzes each site individually to deploy the most efficient solution, capable of handling complex and highly variable biogas compositions.
Robust and Scalable Technology
The WAGABOX® technology converts biogas into pipeline-quality biomethane through a reliable, modular process designed to adapt over time to changes in resource streams and operating conditions.
Pioneering Projects Serving Local Communities
The VALTOM project exemplifies this expertise, with the first unit in Europe to simultaneously upgrade two biogas streams—delivering tangible contributions to the energy transition and the circular economy at the local level.
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