France Unveils Strategic Plan to Boost Geothermal Energy by 2035

On July 25, 2025, the French Ministry of Industry announced a comprehensive strategic plan targeting the acceleration of geothermal energy development across the country. This initiative includes seven concrete measures that aim to address the current underutilization of geothermal resources, which currently contribute only 1% to France's final heat consumption. Minister Marc Ferraci emphasized the necessity of such a plan, particularly as France seeks to quadruple its geothermal heat production over the next decade.

The ambitious targets set forth in the plan outline a significant increase in geothermal energy usage. By 2030, France aims to produce 10 terawatt-hours (TWh) of renewable heat from surface geothermal sources, rising to 15-18 TWh by 2035. Additionally, the plan includes goals for deep geothermal sources, targeting 6 TWh by 2030 and 8-10 TWh by 2035, compared to just 2.3 TWh produced in 2021.

To ensure progress, the government has initiated a 'commando' mission designed to specifically fast-track geothermal development. Led by Bas-Rhin deputy Vincent Thiébaut, this mission aims to eliminate barriers that have historically hindered geothermal energy projects in both metropolitan and overseas regions of France.

The proposed measures will be integrated into a national action plan, which will undergo biannual evaluations starting in fall 2025. Notably, Alexandre Joly, head of the Energy division at Carbone 4, remarked that meeting these objectives would mark a significant leap forward for a sector that has been stagnant for nearly five years. This renewed focus on geothermal energy is a key aspect of the upcoming multiannual energy programming (PPE 3), which aims to transition France towards greater reliance on renewable energy sources.

Overall, this strategic plan represents a pivotal step in France's energy landscape, aligning with broader goals of reducing fossil fuel dependency and expanding the country's renewable energy portfolio.