The aerospace group Safran has formalized an agreement with the Dalkia – Arverne Group consortium to develop a geothermal power plant at its Villaroche (Seine-et-Marne) site. This initiative aims to replace part of the aircraft engine assembly plant’s energy needs by harnessing underground heat.
A large-scale project
The geothermal installation will rely on deep drilling of 1,650 meters, where water reaches a temperature of approximately 75°C. The extracted thermal energy will be combined with heat pumps and a modernized distribution network to heat industrial infrastructure. Safran expects this plant to cover 84% of its heating needs, which are currently supplied by gas boilers.
The project timeline foresees the start of drilling by the end of 2025, with operational commissioning targeted for 2026. This initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce industrial sites’ energy consumption while ensuring a stable heat supply.
Ambitions and challenges
The International Energy Agency (IEA) considers geothermal energy a promising solution for meeting the growing demand for thermal energy. However, its expansion remains dependent on cost management and installation performance.
In France, several industrial companies have attempted to capitalize on this technology with mixed results. Stellantis recently inaugurated a geothermal power plant at its Caen site, while Renault had to abandon a similar project in Douai after tests failed to meet expected performance levels.
Safran will therefore have to navigate these opportunities and technical constraints to ensure the long-term viability of its geothermal plant in Villaroche.
