Wedoany.com Report-May 18, A seismic data acquisition survey was recently conducted in Aix-en-Provence and Éguilles, Southern France, to explore potential deep geothermal resources. The campaign collected data to map subsurface geological layers, supporting efforts to utilize geothermal energy for sustainable heating.

Place de la Mairie, Aix-en-Provence, France

Aix-en-Provence aims to decarbonize its heating network, which serves 28,000 residents with heating and hot water. Currently, the city relies solely on biomass for renewable energy. The goal is to diversify energy sources and increase the renewable energy share to 87%. ENGIE Solutions has been tasked with decarbonizing and expanding the heating network.

If the seismic survey yields promising results, boreholes up to 2 kilometers deep will be drilled to extract water at approximately 70°C. A geothermal heating plant, planned for Constance, is expected to be operational by 2028. This initiative will enhance the city’s sustainable energy infrastructure.

Matthieu Fuentes, Project Manager at ENGIE Solutions, stated: “The energy mix of biomass and geothermal will be alternated according to the seasons. During the summer period, geothermal alone should be able to meet the heating needs.” This approach is expected to eliminate natural gas emissions during summer months.

Most geothermal installations in France are located in the Île-de-France region. The development in Aix-en-Provence could pave the way for geothermal expansion in Southern France, strengthening the country’s position in geothermal heating. The project aligns with broader efforts to promote clean energy and reduce carbon emissions.