The inauguration comes after two years of intensive work, reinforcing Saint-Denis’ position as a leading city in France’s transition toward sustainable energy systems.
A Renewable, Local, and Emission-Free Energy Source
The new geothermal plant taps directly into the natural heat stored beneath the ground. Using two geothermal wells drilled to a depth of 1,800 meters, the system extracts hot water from underground reservoirs. Instead of consuming the water itself, the plant uses its heat and reinjects the cooled water back into the reservoir—ensuring a sustainable and closed-loop process.
This method provides:
- Stable and renewable heat
- No fossil fuel dependence
- Zero greenhouse gas emissions during operation
Each year, the geothermal facility at Fort de l’Est is expected to prevent the emission of 7,500 tonnes of CO₂, a significant contribution to France’s climate goals.
“This local energy source allows us to move away from fossil fuels and eliminates greenhouse gas emissions,” emphasized Laurent Monnet, President of SMIREC and Deputy Mayor of Saint-Denis in charge of ecological transition.
Three Geothermal Plants Powering Saint-Denis
The new installation joins two other geothermal heating plants already boosting Saint-Denis’ renewable energy infrastructure:
1. Pleyel Geothermal Plant (launched in 2023)
This plant supplies renewable heat to the homes and offices in the Pleyel district, including buildings in the former Athletes' Village.
2. Pierrefitte / Villetaneuse Geothermal Plant
Located in the northern part of the city, this plant provides clean heating to thousands of Pierrefitte and Villetaneuse residents.
With the addition of Fort de l’Est, Saint-Denis is now powered by three geothermal plants, a remarkable achievement in urban renewable energy deployment. According to the city’s sustainability report, 66% of the district heating network was already supplied by renewable energy in 2024—a figure expected to rise significantly with the new plant fully operational.
A Strong Step Toward a Greener Future
As cities across Europe accelerate their transition to clean energy, Saint-Denis stands out as a model for integrating deep geothermal technology into modern urban infrastructure. The inauguration of the Fort de l’Est facility demonstrates how innovative engineering, long-term planning, and environmental commitment can transform communities—reducing emissions, lowering heating costs, and building a sustainable future for all residents.
Saint-Denis is not just adopting geothermal energy; it is embracing a new age of urban resilience.
Source:Saint Dennis
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