What Is the Geothermal Energy Project?
Geothermal energy, also known as surface geothermal energy, is a highly efficient, local, sustainable, non-carbonated, discreet, and silent energy source that harnesses the power of the shallow subsurface. At depths between 10 meters to a few hundred meters, the temperature of the ground remains constant throughout the year, usually around 12 to 15°C. This stability is key to its ability to heat buildings in winter and cool them in summer. The project focuses on empowering building owners and real estate professionals by determining the best strategy to unlock the geo-energy potential hidden beneath their properties. Despite being available across 90% of the territory and meeting 50% of thermal needs, only 1% of buildings in France have tapped into this resource… a fact that underlines both the challenge and the opportunity.
Main Benefit
The project offers a host of benefits for energy transition and decarbonization of buildings. Key figures and facts include:
- Reduction of building energy expenses by up to five times.
- Decrease in a building’s carbon footprint by up to 90%.
- Availability of geothermal energy across 90% of the territory.
- Potential coverage of 50% of thermal needs.
- Support through subsidized feasibility scans that can cover up to 50% (and 70% for heat networks) of project costs.
Innovative Simulation and Decision Support
Using advanced physics and financial models combined with data science and machine learning techniques, the project automates and refines feasibility studies for geo-energy installations. It provides a simulation platform that evaluates the geothermal potential on both technical and commercial aspects. Whether a building is in need of renovation or is being newly constructed, the platform assesses the subsurface potential to ensure optimal performance when it comes to cooling in the summer and heating in the winter. This comprehensive simulation is both quick and accessible to non-specialists, ensuring that project decisions are informed and reliable.
Service Offerings That Enhance Value Creation
The project is divided into several service components designed to simplify the adoption of geothermal energy. First, an Opportunity Scan helps stakeholders quickly understand the technical, economic, and environmental viability of various geothermal solutions. Using just an address, the tool identifies options such as underground water table exploitation, exchangers, integrated heat pumps, or free cooling possibilities. Next, the Feasibility Scan follows the exacting standards defined by regulatory bodies such as ADEME, verifying the renewable nature of underground resources over a typical lifespan of 50 years. Moreover, project management services are available to coordinate technical partners and ensure that schedules, budgets, and even subsidy applications are carefully monitored. The inclusion of installation monitoring further provides ongoing insights to maintain and optimize geothermal park performance.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Academic Partnerships
The project stands out thanks to its robust technological foundation, developed by a dedicated team including hydrologists, physicists, and developers. This technology not only incorporates decision-support tools based on technical, financial, and environmental criteria but also benefits from continuous research and development through an open innovation program. Strong academic partnerships with institutions like the Bureau of Geological and Mining Research, the National Institute of Geographic and Forest Information, IFP Energies Nouvelles, and Paris Dauphine-PSL University demonstrate the commitment to excellence and innovation. It is a unique platform that simplifies the process for non-specialists and paves the way for the reliable integration of geothermal energy into energy strategies.
Recognized Excellence and Industry Commitment
The technology has received multiple accolades that underscore its transformative potential. Among these are awards from prestigious innovation competitions like i-Nov and the Worknight Trophies, as well as national labels such as the “GreenTech Innovation” award from the Ministry of Ecological Transition. These recognitions emphasize both the technological prowess and the sustainable impact of the project. Highlighting a strong industry commitment, the project’s leadership is actively involved in professional associations, such as the French Association of Geothermal Professionals (AFPG), and is a founding member of collective initiatives intended to promote surface geothermal energy to a broader audience of public and private users. This involvement further cements the project’s role as a catalyst in the energy transition of today’s built environment.
Project Impact
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – By providing a renewable energy solution that decreases reliance on carbonated sources.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Through enhanced energy performance and reduced impacts on urban environments.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Encouraging sustainable resource use and efficient energy strategies.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Contributing to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and supporting carbon neutrality goals.
Empowering the Future of Energy
The project revolutionizes how the untapped potential of subsurface geo-energy is harnessed to transform the energy landscape of buildings. By developing user-friendly, precise, and comprehensive simulation tools, it not only supports immediate operational needs but also paves the way for long-term decarbonization efforts. This approach not only enhances the value of real estate assets but also ensures that energy supply remains secure and cost-effective, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future for urban spaces. There is a dynamic shift underway as geothermal energy steps into the spotlight—a shift that promises quieter, cleaner, and more resilient urban environments, all while delivering impressive cost savings and a drastically reduced carbon footprint.
