Geothermal energy in France: current landscape and future outlook

As France accelerates its shift toward a low-carbon energy model, geothermal energy is re-emerging as a key, local, and stable solution. While it receives less media attention than solar or wind, geothermal energy offers enormous potential, especially in the field of deep geothermal drilling.

At Enedril, we specialize in deep geothermal drilling, reaching depths of up to 3,000 meters. We are directly involved in the deployment of this promising energy. Here's an overview of where geothermal energy stands in France today — and where it's heading.

Where does geothermal energy stand in France ?

Geothermal energy in France is developing through two main approaches:

• Shallow geothermal energy (very low temperature)

This involves capturing heat just a few meters below the surface, typically to power individual or collective heat pump systems. It is widely used in new buildings and renovations and is supported by public incentives.

• Deep geothermal energy (low to high temperature)

This consists of drilling to depths of several thousand meters to tap underground hot water reservoirs. It supplies urban heating networks, industrial buildings, and, in some cases, electricity production.

📊 Key figures (as of 2024):

• Around 80 deep geothermal facilities in operation (mainly in the Paris Basin and Alsace)

• Over 200,000 geothermal heat pumps installed in France

• Less than 1% of heat consumption in France currently comes from geothermal sources… but that's about to change

  
  

A strategic relaunch in 2024–2025

The French government has identified geothermal energy as a strategic pillar in its national energy roadmap, with a clear target: 5× increase in geothermal heat production by 2030.

Key measures include:

• A national geothermal plan launched in February 2023

• Public funding of €90 million, via ADEME and the Heat Fund

• Streamlined administrative processes to speed up projects

• Target: 40 new deep geothermal projects per year starting in 2025

  
  

💬 “Geothermal energy is a solution of the future — dispatchable, local, and land-efficient,” said Agnès Pannier-Runacher, France’s Minister for the Energy Transition.

Where are the most promising geothermal zones?

France’s underground geology is highly varied. Some regions offer particularly strong geothermal potential:

• Île-de-France (Paris Basin): deep sedimentary layers at 1,500–2,000 m, exploited since the 1980s

• Alsace: the Rhine Graben features high temperatures at relatively shallow depths

• Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: emerging areas for hydrothermal and heat-exchanger geothermal systems

• Overseas territories: islands like Réunion and Guadeloupe offer potential for high-temperature geothermal energy

  
  

The key role of drilling specialists

Developing deep geothermal energy requires a highly specialized skill set: deep drilling, sometimes reaching 3,000 meters underground. This involves:

• In-depth knowledge of subsurface geology

• High-performance drilling equipment capable of withstanding heat and corrosion

• The ability to manage complex work sites, often in urban or constrained environments

At Enedril, we bring our technical expertise and operational discipline to support these demanding projects from the ground up.

Challenges to overcome

Despite recent momentum, the geothermal sector in France still faces several key challenges:

• Raising awareness among local governments, citizens, and investors

• Reducing upfront investment costs by pooling studies and innovating in drilling methods

• Training and recruiting future geothermal professionals

• Managing geological risks (microseismicity, corrosion, etc.) using robust experience and data

A sustainable, local and resilient energy source

Unlike other renewable sources, geothermal energy is not intermittent. It provides continuous, 24/7 heat and power, with minimal land use and a very low carbon footprint. It’s a perfect fit for regional and industrial energy transitions.

At Enedril, we are proud to contribute to this momentum by offering our deep drilling expertise to build solid, future-ready geothermal infrastructure.

📩 Have a geothermal project under study or ready to launch?Let’s talk — our team is ready to support you from planning to drilling.