Performance and operating practices of wood-fired heating plants in Brittany.
Website Aile
Association of Local Initiatives for Energy and the Environment
About the Company :
Name of the company : Aile
Type of organisation :Association of Local Initiatives for Energy and the Environment
Field of activity : Agency specialising in energy management and renewable energies in agricultural and rural environments.
Location : Rennes | France
What are the main commitments of your company?
AILE is tasked with piloting various projects in the fields of renewable energy and energy management, as part of local development initiatives. It is particularly within the framework of these experimental programmes that AILE supports regions in developing innovative projects aligned with the principles of the circular bioeconomy, promoting energy transition and serving environmental objectives.
Minimum education requirements : Students in higher education in the fields of heating, energy and renewable energy.
Required languages spoken :
Proficiency in French is required + English
Position summary :
Short Description of the company / lighthouse farm :
AILE is a local energy agency specialising in the use of biomass to generate energy. Our team leads the Brittany Wood Energy Plan for the development of biomass heating systems in Brittany. We provide support for projects, carry out feasibility studies, prepare grant applications and monitor the fleet in operation. With several hundred heating systems installed in local authorities, livestock farms and industry, the association can draw on a wealth of references to support new projects.
Any accomodation offered :
Not mentioned
Internship description (the tasks, responsibilities, benefits) :
CONTEXT OF THE RESEARCH :
This internship is part of the 2025 Wood Plan programme and will help to achieve these objectives.
In 2012 and 2014, the first surveys were carried out to assess the operation of the park. Since then, AILE has invested in optimising the park’s performance, in particular through the Optiwood programme (2018-2020) and staff training. In 2025, AILE would like to repeat this survey work in order to observe overall changes in the performance and practices of the heating plant fleet.
AIM OF THE WORK :
The intern will be responsible for the following tasks, with the support of AILE’s biofuels team:
- Drafting and distributing a survey to boiler plant managers, with the assistance of the communications lead.
- Analyzing and synthesizing the survey results to produce a report on the operation and practices of the network.
- Based on the survey feedback, the intern will select a technical issue to explore in greater depth (e.g., silo design, filtration systems, etc.). A sample of relevant boiler plants will be selected for site visits and additional interviews.
- Producing one or more advisory notes or case studies.
- Proposing actions for the wood energy plan (support, training sessions, etc.).
Utilisation of Results
The intern will present their findings to managers and local advisers during a webinar or technical workshop.
AILE will use the results to identify relevant targets for promoting its technical support services and training programmes. The action recommendations will contribute to the 2026 action plan for the Brittany Wood Energy Plan.
The communication tools produced will be used to raise awareness among new wood energy project sponsors and will be incorporated into presentation materials for information sessions with elected representatives and businesses.
Job Details :
Duration of the internship :
From 4 to 6 months
Period :
1st semester 2025
Application deadline :
06/12/2024
Salary :
Not mentioned
Weekly Workin hours :
Not mentioned
To which pillar of the project can the internship be associated ?