SHC by Sweden concludes the 3rd annual conference on French-Swedish collaborations within heating and cooling • Sucy-en-Brie strengthens its commitment to sustainable geothermal energy • Essonne's geothermal heating network expands with major investments • Read more about the developments in sustainable heating and cooling in this month's news update from France
Paris, France – The 3rd Annual Conference on French-Swedish collaborations within heating and cooling convened last week, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and SHC by Sweden member companies to discuss innovative approaches to heating and cooling in France and Sweden. Organized by SHC by Sweden in cooperation with Business Sweden, the Embassy in Paris, the Swedish Energy Agency, and SweHeat & Cooling, the event highlighted the opportunities in cross-border collaboration and business potential in advancing the energy transition in both nations.
The conference provided a platform for dialogue on the latest developments in DHC, including the integration of electric-driven systems, utilization of alternative heat sources, and strategies for improving and transforming existing district heating networks. Moderated by Aurélie Beauvais, Managing Director of Euroheat & Power, the program featured keynote addresses and panel discussions with a diverse group of industry experts. Speakers included representatives from ADEME, Stockholm Exergi, Svensk Exportkredit, IDEX, Kraftringen, Swedenergy, and the Swedish Energy Agency.
Panel discussions further enriched the event, featuring representatives from Alfa Laval, BKtech Group, Energy Opticon, Pipeguard, and SweHeat & Cooling. The discussions examined several new technologies and solutions for improvements to existing DHC networks, with SHC by Sweden member companies standing out as relevant solution providers to participating French stakeholders. SHC by Sweden is committed to continuing these engagements, providing new opportunities and forums for business dialogues between French and Swedish actors in the heating and cooling sector.
The two activity days also featured site visits to Fraîcheur de Paris in Bercy and IDEX at La Défense, offering SHC by Sweden companies a closer look at the practical implementation of cooling technologies in Paris.
By leveraging the expertise of both nations, the outcomes of the conference are poised to drive further advancements in sustainable heating and cooling technologies and new business opportunities for both Swedish and French stakeholders. The organizers extend their heartfelt gratitude to all participants, keynote speakers, panelists, and co-hosts for their contributions to this year’s iteration of the annual conference on French-Swedish collaborations within heating and cooling, reaffirming the critical role of collaboration in shaping the future of energy solutions.
In a major step toward enhancing its energy transition, the town of Sucy-en-Brie, located in the Val-de-Marne department just outside Paris, has partnered with Engie Solutions to modernize and expand its geothermal heating network. Announced during the Salon des Maires et des Collectivités in November 2024, the project will deliver renewable heating and hot water to 5,500 homes by 2028, underscoring the municipality’s dedication to environmental sustainability.
Olivier Triaux, Mayor of Sucy-en-Brie, and Yann Rolland, Deputy CEO of Engie Solutions, formalized the initiative by signing a renewed Delegation of Public Service contract. The collaboration is set to increase the network’s reach from 3.7 km to 12 km, significantly boosting its capacity to serve residents with renewable energy. Since 1984, Sucy-en-Brie has relied on geothermal energy as a cornerstone of its environmental policy, and this modernization project will further reinforce that legacy. Implementation plans include replacing the current geothermal system with a more efficient alternative, increasing the share of geothermal energy in the heating mix from 88% to 94%. Starting in January 2025, subscribers will receive heating and hot water entirely from renewable sources, with biomethane, produced from organic waste, replacing gas and oil as backup energy.
Sucy-en-Brie, with forests covering a third of its territory, is among the least densely populated areas in Val-de-Marne. By pursuing this geothermal initiative, the town reinforces its environmental commitments while setting an example for other scarcely populated municipalities across France. Beyond the ecological benefits, the project is expected to have significant socio-economic impacts for the local community. More than 46,000 hours of work within the project will be dedicated to young people and individuals facing barriers to employment, thanks to partnerships with local job placement and social inclusion services.
Read more in article from Mes Infos
The geothermal heating network in Essonne, managed by the Société d’exploitation des énergies renouvelables (SEER), is expanding with significant investments. The goal is to connect 47,000 homes and over 110 public buildings by 2029, helping the region move towards renewable energy.
SEER was created in 2017 by the municipalities of Grigny and Viry-Châtillon, in partnership with Sipperec, a group representing 117 local city councils in Île-de-France. The project aims to provide heating using geothermal energy, reducing the region’s reliance on fossil fuels.
By the end of 2024, SEER plans to connect several key locations, including Fleury-Mérogis, Ris-Orangis, and Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois. Fleury-Mérogis, which is home to Europe’s largest prison, along with the other towns, will receive 23 kilometers of geothermal piping, which will heat about 23,000 homes. SEER also plans to extend the network to Morsang-sur-Orge, Saint-Michel-sur-Orge, and Savigny-sur-Orge. Additional connections in Grigny and Ris-Orangis will also be extended, with a new geothermal well set to start operation by January 2025.
The expansion will require an estimated investment of 120 million euros, with approximately 60 kilometers of new pipelines to be constructed. The geothermal network is expected to lower heating costs for residents and businesses, offering prices that are up to 15% to 25% cheaper than fossil fuel-based heating solutions. According to Martine Flamant, CEO of SEER, the system is more stable than traditional energy sources, which are subject to market price fluctuations.
Local authorities, including the Grand Paris Sud agglomeration and the town of Morsang-sur-Orge, have supported the project by investing in SEER. Michel Bisson, President of Grand Paris Sud, stressed the importance of local involvement in energy management, saying the investment allows them to participate in decision-making while supporting the switch to renewable energy.
Read more in article from Les Echos
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