Geothermal Water Loop Investment 2026 Grant

Agence de la transition écologique (ADEME)

About this grant

This ADEME aid supports the installation of heating and cooling production systems fed by a geothermal temperate water loop (boucle d'eau tempérée géothermique, BETG). A temperate water loop is a low-temperature distribution network (about 10 to 25 °C) linking several buildings, each connected through a substation containing a heat pump that meets heating, domestic hot water and/or cooling needs. The loop can draw on renewable or recovered energy such as geothermal, wastewater, seawater or waste heat. The programme is open from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026 and is funded through the Fonds Chaleur. The aid addresses the transition from fossil fuels to renewable heating and cooling. Before investing in renewable or recovered heat, project holders must show they have considered demand reduction through sobriety and efficiency measures, pooling of production through connection to existing heating networks or a potential new network, recovery of local waste heat, and other local renewables such as geothermal and solar thermal. Biomass is positioned as a targeted option for high-temperature needs above about 90 to 100 °C. Supported projects must deliver a minimum renewable heat output of 25 MWh per year, using sources such as borehole fields, groundwater aquifers, wastewater or treated effluent, seawater or surface water. A feasibility study is mandatory. Aid is calculated on the basis of an economic analysis, and payment may be conditional on meeting minimum performance thresholds such as heat pump COP, annual MWh output and the renewable and recovered energy share of the loop. ADEME also offers support for opportunity notes, feasibility studies, project management assistance and advice.

Eligibility

The aid is open to local authorities and public administrations (collectivités et administrations), associations, and companies, including public establishments. It applies across all French regions, as aid is granted mainly through ADEME regional directorates. Applicants need an AGIR platform account to file. Projects must reach the minimum renewable heat production of 25 MWh per year and must complete a mandatory feasibility study. Prior contact with the relevant regional ADEME office is strongly recommended before filing. The page does not state a specific stage or prior-recipient restriction.

How it's scored

Applications are assessed on an economic analysis that determines the aid amount. Funding may be conditioned on meeting minimum performance criteria, including heat pump coefficient of performance, annual MWh production and the renewable and recovered energy share of the loop. Projects must also show compliance with the EnR&R approach, covering demand reduction, pooling of production, recovery of local waste heat and consideration of other local renewables. Regulatory requirements, the energy performance of connected buildings, and social and governance criteria of the loop may also apply. The page does not describe panel composition or numerical weightings.

Key requirements

• ✓A completed preliminary feasibility study for the geothermal or tempered water loop project is required
• ✓Project must install a tempered water loop network (10-25 °C) connecting multiple buildings via heat pump substations
• ✓Aid is calculated case by case by ADEME; applications must be submitted before 31 December 2026

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Agence de la transition écologique (ADEME) offer?

Geothermal Water Loop Investment offers Aide calculée au cas par cas.

When is the Geothermal Water Loop Investment deadline?

Applications close 31 Dec 2026.

Who can apply for Geothermal Water Loop Investment?

Eligibility covers organisations in FR; local-authority, sme, large-company, nonprofit, engineering-contractor, consortium. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Heating and cooling funding supports heat pumps, district heating, thermal networks, efficient cooling and the removal of fossil boilers. It arrives through national support schemes, local authority programmes and procurement for heat networks. Applicants typically need heat demand assessments, a connection plan and an operator for the system.