Geothermal Resources in France - Current Situation and Prospects

Abstract

The exploitation of geothermal resources in France has seen several phases:
a major development phase at the beginning of the 1980's with, in particular, more than 70 geothermal district heating systems operating in the Paris area and, in 1987, launch of the European Deep Geothermal Energy Programme of Soultz-sous-ForÍts,
a period of withdrawal during the 1990's marked by very little new activity and public support being geared essentially towards the Soultz-sous-ForÍts Deep Geothermal Energy Programme,
a boost in activity since 1998 following the Kyoto Agreement, and the decision taken in France to resume an active policy for energy management and the development of renewable energies.
Furthermore, since the introduction of the European electricity directive, France, under the influence of Ademe, is seriously considering its position on geothermal energy, which could play a key role in reaching the objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emission. With this in mind, several studies have been launched by Ademe, many of which are in partnership with BRGM, so as to define the optimum conditions for boosting activity of low-enthalpy geothermal resources with a high exploitation potential.