Decision Support Study for Shallow Geothermal, Aerothermal or Thalassothermal Projects
ADEME supports local authorities, companies and associations with feasibility studies for shallow geothermal, aerothermal or seawater energy, thermal response tests and exploratory drilling, as well as certain project management assistance missions (except for aerothermal).
Before investing in a geothermal heat pump, an aerothermal solution or an installation using seawater, a study must check that the resource and the system suit the building or process. ADEME funds these preliminary studies, as well as certain ground tests and project management assistance.
Funded by ADEME
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Who can apply
Local authorities, companies and associations may be eligible, in all regions. The project must involve shallow geothermal, aerothermal or seawater energy as part of a renewable heating or cooling project.
Eligibility conditions
The applicant must show that it has followed ADEME’s EnR’Choix approach: reducing needs through sobriety and energy efficiency, pooling needs, recovering waste heat and considering other available renewable energies. The study must be carried out by a provider meeting ADEME’s specifications for the technology.
What the scheme covers
Feasibility studies, project management assistance (except for aerothermal), ground thermal response tests and exploratory drilling. Deliverables must analyse technical and economic feasibility, sizing, risks and how the operation is structured.
Amount and funding terms
Funding is calculated under ADEME’s 2026 conditions for studies supporting the ecological transition. The page does not give a single rate: check the scale for the type of service and the applicant’s status in the official document “Études en faveur de la transition écologique – Conditions d’éligibilité et de financement – 2026”.
How to apply
Contact ADEME’s regional office and choose the specifications matching the technology (shallow aquifer, borehole field, seawater, aerothermal or project management assistance). Prepare the study programme and quote, then apply on AGIR before any contractual commitment, in line with the aid rules.
Timeline
Shown as running from 1 January to 31 December 2026 in all regions. ADEME recommends prior contact to confirm the technology, the provider and the eligible costs.
Key facts
- Funder
- ADEME
- Type of funding
- Grant
- Status
- Open
- Closes
- 30 December 2026
- Geographic scope
- All of France
Frequently asked questions
Which technologies are covered?
Shallow geothermal, aerothermal and seawater (thalassothermal) energy.
Is project management assistance always eligible?
The official page mentions it, except for aerothermal projects.
Are ground tests covered?
Yes, ground thermal response tests and exploratory drilling are mentioned.
Which steps must precede sizing?
ADEME asks applicants to look at reducing needs, pooling, waste heat recovery and other available renewable energies.
Official source
Official ADEME page ↗(ademe_scraper)Applications are made from the official source (usually in French).
Other grants of type “grant”
Other grants from ADEME
Related needs and funding
Competitive calls for projects
Ecological transition and CSR
Capital and investment funds
Support and acceleration
Diagnostics and audits
Takeover and transfer
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