Surface Geothermal and Aerothermal Energy Study 2026 Grant
Agence de la transition écologique (ADEME)
In context
This call is open to small and medium-sized businesses, non-profits and local authorities and 5 others, at idea and R&D stage and prototype and pilot stage. Funding is a grant of Jusqu'à 70% du coût de l'étude, dans un maximum de 100 000 €. Coverage is read from the notice itself: France.
ADEME co-funds feasibility studies for projects installing shallow geothermal heat pumps (aquifer, borehole fields, energy geostructures, wastewater, etc.) or air-to-water aerothermal heat pumps, helping applicants choose techniques and plan financing. Aid is conditional on using a provider certified under the ADEME RGE Études framework.
About this grant
ADEME, through the Fonds Chaleur, co-finances preliminary studies for shallow geothermal, aerothermal and thalassothermal heat projects so that their technical and economic feasibility and quality are secured. Funded activities include feasibility studies, assistance to project management (AMO, not applicable to aerothermal), thermal response tests (TRT) on the ground, and reconnaissance boreholes on aquifers. Feasibility studies are meant to verify technical and economic viability, propose suitable technical solutions, compare geothermal with other options, ensure long-term resource management, and propose financing and administrative structuring. AMO missions support project quality coordination, preparation of technical documents, regulatory compliance and operational maintenance planning. The aid is framed by an 'EnR'Choix' approach that asks project holders to first consider energy sobriety, pooling of heat production through existing or potential heat networks, use of available waste heat, and the local potential of other renewables such as geothermal and solar thermal, with biomass reserved for high-temperature needs. Heat pump projects using geothermal or aerothermal technology must use a provider meeting the ADEME RGE Études standard or equivalent. A TRT is financeable only if a feasibility study or project note has been prepared beforehand, and a reconnaissance borehole on an aquifer is financeable only after a feasibility study. The programme is listed for 2026, with the page indicating an active aid from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026. Aid is granted mainly through ADEME regional directorates, and prior contact with the regional office is recommended. Specification templates for consultants are provided for each eligible service. Applications are filed through the AGIR platform, which requires an account. Further investment aid for installations is available separately via the Fonds Chaleur.
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Eligibility
Open to local authorities and public administrations (collectivités / administrations), associations and companies (entreprises). Applicants must declare their profile and project type on the platform, and an AGIR account is required to submit. Aid applies to projects in all regions of France. Heat pump studies require use of an RGE Études provider or equivalent qualified consultant. TRT and reconnaissance boreholes require a prior feasibility study or contextual note. AMO is not available for aerothermal projects.
Key requirements
- ✓Study must support a shallow geothermal or aerothermal heat pump installation project in France
- ✓Aid covers up to 70% of study cost, capped at €100,000
- ✓Shallow geothermal aquifer or borehole-field projects and aerothermal projects must use a provider meeting the RGE Études referential or equivalent
Frequently asked questions
- How much funding does Agence de la transition écologique (ADEME) offer?
- Surface Geothermal and Aerothermal Energy Study offers Jusqu'à 70% du coût de l'étude, dans un maximum de 100 000 €.
- When is the Surface Geothermal and Aerothermal Energy Study deadline?
- Applications close 31 Dec 2026.
- Who can apply for Surface Geothermal and Aerothermal Energy Study?
- Eligibility covers organisations in FR; sme, nonprofit, local-authority, consultancy, engineering-contractor, large-company, social-enterprise, charity. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.
Relevant sectors
How this compares
- Compared with 17 similar grants (renewables in France) listed in the last 12 months.
- Similar grants that state a value range from $550k to $11m, with a median of $1.9m (5 grants).
- The same organisation listed 3 other similar grants here in the last 12 months.
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About this sector
Renewable energy funding covers solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal and bioenergy, from early research to grid-scale deployment. Public money tends to back demonstration, grid connection and access to energy in emerging markets, while procurement notices buy installation, operation and maintenance. Calls often ask for proof of resource assessment, permitting progress and local partners.
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