Construction of Waste Heat Recovery Installations
ADEME’s 2026 page concerns companies, associations and local authorities in all regions. The project must show that enough heat is available, that there is a realistic use for it and that the expected performance justifies the investment. A feasibility study can be funded beforehand. The amount of investment aid depends on the project and the 2026 technical and financial conditions.
Some of the heat used or produced by an industrial process can be lost to air, water or discharges. Recovering it for another use can cut energy purchases and emissions, provided temperatures, volumes, operating hours and receiving needs are compatible. ADEME supports waste heat recovery installations through the Heat Fund (Fonds Chaleur).
Funded by ADEME
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Who can apply
The official page targets companies, associations and local authorities. Projects can concern an industrial site, a business activity or an area with a usable source of waste heat. Eligibility depends on the technical configuration and the ability to actually use the recovered heat.
Eligibility conditions
The project must demonstrate heat availability, compatibility between the source and the needs, equipment sizing and economic relevance. ADEME’s EnR’Choix approach requires looking at energy savings, pooling and recovery options before sizing new production capacity. The precise criteria and required documents are set out in the 2026 conditions.
What the scheme covers
Operations can cover equipment to capture, exchange, transport, store or use waste heat, depending on accepted costs. The application must specify the source, temperatures, flow rates, annual availability, target use, useful output and performance monitoring. Recovered heat can supply a process, a building or a network, subject to technical compatibility.
Amount and funding terms
The amount is not a uniform flat rate: it depends on the Heat Fund eligibility and financing conditions, the characteristics of the recovered heat, performance and eligible costs. The feasibility study may fall under a separate scheme. Have ADEME’s regional office confirm the cost base, scale, any production thresholds and applicable caps before starting work.
How to apply
1. Map the heat sources and simultaneous heating needs. 2. Commission a feasibility study to quantify useful heat and investments. 3. Compare use scenarios and check ADEME’s 2026 criteria. 4. Contact the regional office before applying. 5. Prepare the technical and financial application, with quotes and timetable, then wait for instructions before starting work.
Timeline
The official page indicates a period from 1 January to 31 December 2026. The Heat Fund is handled in particular by the regional offices; prior contact is advised. Available budget and application conditions must be confirmed before committing.
Key facts
- Funder
- ADEME
- Type of funding
- Grant
- Status
- Open
- Closes
- 30 December 2026
- Geographic scope
- All of France
Frequently asked questions
What is waste heat?
Residual heat from a process or equipment that can be recovered for a useful purpose.
Who can benefit from the aid?
Companies, associations and local authorities, under ADEME’s criteria.
Can the feasibility study be supported?
Yes, ADEME lists a separate scheme for feasibility studies.
How is the investment aid calculated?
According to the 2026 conditions, the project’s performance and eligible costs.
Official source
Official ADEME page ↗(ademe_scraper)Applications are made from the official source (usually in French).
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