Decision Support Study for Deep Geothermal Projects
ADEME funds feasibility studies for deep geothermal heat projects (resource deeper than 200 m) for local authorities, companies and associations; de-risking studies above €200,000 may qualify for a specific guarantee covering up to 80% of a cost base capped at €1M.
Deep geothermal energy requires technical, regulatory and financial risks to be reduced before drilling and works begin. This aid funds the feasibility study for operations using a geothermal resource more than 200 metres deep, including certain operations on existing wells or networks supplied by a geothermal installation.
Funded by ADEME
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Who can apply
Local authorities, companies and associations with a deep geothermal renewable heat project may be eligible. The scheme covers all regions; the resource must be more than 200 metres deep.
Eligibility conditions
The project must aim to use a deep geothermal resource for heat and take into account sobriety, pooling of needs, waste heat recovery and comparison with other renewable energies. The study must cover technical and economic feasibility, regulatory constraints, risks, and investment and operating costs.
What the scheme covers
Feasibility studies for a well doublet or other drilling configuration on a deep aquifer, reinjection on an existing operation, conversion of a former oil well, or installing heat pumps on a network already supplied by deep geothermal energy.
Amount and funding terms
For de-risking studies above €200,000, the ADEME page indicates that the geothermal guarantee fund can cover 80% of costs, with a cost base capped at €1M. This guarantee is separate from the study grant and must be arranged with SAF Environnement. For other studies, apply ADEME’s 2026 conditions.
How to apply
Contact ADEME’s regional office, use the specifications “Étude de faisabilité en géothermie profonde” and prepare the technical, economic, regulatory and risk sections. If the de-risking study exceeds €200,000, also contact SAF Environnement about the geothermal guarantee.
Timeline
Shown as running from 1 January to 31 December 2026 in all regions. Prior discussion with ADEME is advised; the geothermal guarantee is a separate process with SAF Environnement.
Key facts
- Funder
- ADEME
- Type of funding
- Grant
- Status
- Open
- Funding rate
- 80%
- Automatically extracted — check the official source
- Closes
- 30 December 2026
- Geographic scope
- All of France
Frequently asked questions
What counts as deep geothermal for this aid?
The ADEME page targets geothermal resources more than 200 metres deep.
What cover can the guarantee fund offer?
Up to 80% of the costs of a de-risking study above €200,000, with a cost base capped at €1M, under the fund’s conditions.
Which projects are covered?
Notably well doublets, reinjection, reuse of former oil wells and certain heat pumps on existing networks.
Whom should I contact about the guarantee?
SAF Environnement, a subsidiary of the Caisse des Dépôts, according to the ADEME page.
Official source
Official ADEME page ↗(ademe_scraper)Applications are made from the official source (usually in French).
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