The objective of the project is to refine the knowledge on the potential of surface geothermal energy within the territory of the TCO. This will include establishing maps of the surface geothermal resource, as well as the thermal needs of the buildings. The output of the project should make it possible to establish the potential share of geothermal energy that can be mobilized for the present and future needs of identified buildings, both existing and planned.
The project will be done in partnership with the Bureau of Geological and Mining Research (BRGM) and the Urban Energy Transition (EFFICACITY) Institute.
Geothermal resources are envisioned to provide cooling for buildings in the TCO. This is an important issue because air conditioning represents 53% of electricity consumption in the tertiary sector of the entire Réunion Island. The new source energy for air conditioning will help in achieving the TCO’s Territorial Climate -Air-Energy Plan (PCAET).
Earlier this year, the French Government thru the Ministry of Energy published the national action plan that aims to make France a leader in geothermal energy with the goal of producing enough geothermal heat in 15 to 20 years to save 100 TWh/year of gas and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050
