The 2024 edition of the Geothermal District Heating and Cooling Days was a resounding success, attracting over 149 attendees from across Europe and beyond. Held in Paris from 9 to 11 September, the event brought together leading experts to explore the latest advancements and innovations in geothermal district heating and cooling.
9th September: SAPHEA Workshop Explores New Geothermal Solutions
The event kicked off with the SAPHEA workshop, where innovative solutions for integrating geothermal district heating and cooling into European cities and industries were showcased. Presenters discussed current case studies from Spain and France, as well as new funding opportunities. Participants engaged in open discussions about the latest technologies and the challenges and opportunities facing geothermal energy in Europe. This session provided a vital platform for dialogue on the future of geothermal energy.
10th September: Keynote Sessions, Market Trends, Poster Sessions, and Financing Discussions
The second day of the event was even more dynamic, featuring a wealth of presentations, networking opportunities, and engaging poster sessions.
The day began with keynote sessions covering topics such as strategies to accelerate geothermal adoption, high-performance geothermal networks, and France’s national geothermal plans and export strategies. This was followed by insightful presentations on market trends and conditions within the European Union, offering a comprehensive overview of the geothermal landscape.
After a networking break, attendees participated in presentations highlighting best practices and the latest technological developments in geothermal heating and cooling. The "helicopter presentations" allowed poster presenters to briefly introduce their work before attendees explored the posters in more detail.
The day concluded with a pivotal discussion on project financing, covering topics such as financing instruments, derisking tools, heat purchase agreements, and the role of financial instruments in supporting geothermal projects.
11th September: Site Visits to Groundbreaking Geothermal Projects
The final day featured site visits to two groundbreaking geothermal installations: Le Chesnay-Rocquencourt and Vélizy-Villacoublay.
Le Chesnay-Rocquencourt hosts one of the newest geothermal plants in the Paris area. Spearheaded by GeomY3—a collaborative venture involving ENGIE Solutions, the Yvelines departmental council, the municipality, the current operator, and the local District Heating Network—the plant is expected to supply renewable heat to Yvelines by 2025. During the visit, attendees observed the ongoing drilling work and gained insights into the technology behind geothermal energy.
Vélizy-Villacoublay unveiled Véligeo, a state-of-the-art geothermal power plant built on Europe’s pioneering multi-drain borehole. This cutting-edge facility, which won the Ruggero Bertani European Geothermal Innovation Award in 2021, harnesses water at 65°C to deliver over 16 MW of heat output. Attendees saw firsthand how this transformative project is reshaping the future of urban energy consumption.
Access Event Presentations
Presentations from the event are now available.
SAPHEA Workshop, 9th September 2024 – [Presentations Available]
Please note that these materials are intended exclusively for conference participants. Password protected.
Geothermal District Heating and Cooling Days, 10th September 2024 – [Presentations Available]
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors, whose invaluable support made this event possible:
The Geothermal District Heating and Cooling Days 2024 were organised by the European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC) in collaboration with the French Association of Geothermal Professionals (AFPG), with support from SAPHEA and COST Action.
Important Information for Attendees
Invoices, certificates of attendance, and any other materials will be provided in the coming weeks. Please contact v.bech@egec.org for assistance. We appreciate your patience and apologise for any delays in advance.