Pioneering Industrial Deep Geothermal in Île-de-France: Safran Aircraft Engines and Dalkia Achieve Major Milestone at Villaroche Site
In a major step forward for industrial decarbonization in France, Safran Aircraft Engines — a global leader in aeronautical propulsion — has partnered with Dalkia (an EDF subsidiary) to develop the first deep geothermal station dedicated to industry in the Île-de-France region.
Announced in a press release on February 18, 2026, the project at Safran's Villaroche industrial site in Seine-et-Marne has reached a key milestone: the producer well (puits producteur) has been successfully drilled to a depth of 1,650 meters, tapping into naturally heated water at around 75°C. Drilling for the injector well is now underway, with completion expected in April 2026 and full commissioning of the geothermal plant targeted for autumn 2026.
This innovative installation combines deep geothermal energy, high-efficiency heat pumps, and modernized heat networks to replace up to 84% of the site's natural gas needs with a local, low-carbon, and 100% renewable energy source. The expected environmental impact is impressive: avoidance of nearly 6,500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year.
As one of the core pillars of Safran Aircraft Engines' low-carbon strategy, the project supports the group's ambitious goal of reducing operational CO₂ emissions by 50% by 2030(compared to 2018 levels).
Dalkia, France's leading geothermal operator by installed capacity, leads the project alongside Arverne Group, which handles drilling using an advanced hydro-electric drilling rig specially designed for deep geothermal applications. This equipment stands out for being more compact, significantly quieter, and equipped with optimized fluid management and energy reuse systems minimizing environmental disturbance during operations.
Quotes from key stakeholders underscore the project's significance:
- Delphine Berilloux, Director of Human and Societal Responsibilities at Safran Aircraft Engines:
"We are proud to be pioneers in this geothermal project in Île-de-France. This new installation strengthens our commitment to decarbonizing our industrial activities."
- Sylvie Jéhanno, CEO of Dalkia:
"It is a great pride for Dalkia to support Safran Aircraft Engines in this pioneering project, the first of its kind for industry in Île-de-France. It demonstrates a strong vision: an industry that acts concretely for the planet."
- Pierre Brossollet, Founder and CEO of Arverne Group:
"Contributing to decarbonization through geothermal energy at the Safran Aircraft Engines site is a great satisfaction, especially since this first well was drilled using one of the most innovative and high-performance hydro-electric rigs on the market."
The Villaroche site, spanning over 100 hectares and employing thousands, assembles commercial and military aircraft engines. Transitioning such a large industrial facility to deep geothermal heating marks a powerful demonstration that heavy industry can achieve substantial emissions reductions while maintaining operational efficiency.
This project highlights the growing role of deep geothermal in France's energy transition, particularly for high-heat-demand sectors like manufacturing and aerospace. It paves the way for similar initiatives across the country, proving that renewable geothermal heat can deliver reliable, cost-effective, and near-zero-carbon energy even in regions not traditionally associated with high geothermal gradients.
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Stay tuned for updates as drilling concludes and commissioning approaches later this year — this could set a new standard for industrial geothermal adoption in Europe!
What do you think of this milestone? Share your thoughts in the comments — is deep geothermal the future for heavy industry?
Source: Dalkia
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