Safran and the Dalkia - Arverne Group Consortium: Harnessing Deep Geothermal Heat for a Low-carbon Industry

Safran Aircraft Engines, the world leader in aircraft propulsion, has taken a significant step towards a low-carbon future by partnering with the Dalkia-Arverne Drilling Services consortium to install a deep geothermal power plant at its Villaroche site in Seine-et-Marne, France. This pioneering project aims to replace 84% of the energy needs currently supplied by gas boilers with low-carbon, local, and renewable energy, marking a substantial reduction in carbon emissions linked to heating the site.

The geothermal plant, scheduled for commissioning in late 2026, will harness the heat of the subsoil by drilling 1,650 meters deep into the Dogger formation, where water temperatures reach almost 75°C. This innovative solution is expected to avoid the emission of 6,500 tonnes of CO2 per year, representing a 75% reduction in carbon emissions. By harnessing the power of geothermal energy, Safran will not only reduce its carbon footprint but also strengthen its energy independence, reducing reliance on external energy sources.

The strategic partnership between Safran, Dalkia, and Arverne Group demonstrates the commitment of leading French industrial players to decarbonizing industry through geothermal energy. This project opens the way to new prospects for the decarbonization of industrial activities, which are essential to the country's economy. Delphine Berilloux, Director of Human and Social Responsibility at Safran Aircraft Engines, emphasizes the company's commitment to a low-carbon industry and its pursuit of multiple strategies to reduce CO2 emissions from its industrial sites. Sylvie Jéhanno, Chairman and CEO of Dalkia, praises Safran's ambitious and innovative project, which will significantly reduce the carbon footprint of its site while strengthening its energy independence. Pierre Brossollet, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Arverne Group, highlights the expertise of the companies involved and their shared commitment to decarbonizing industry through geothermal energy.

The geothermal energy project at Safran's Villaroche site aligns with the company's broader strategy for reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to a low-carbon industry. By complementing other major Safran initiatives, such as the installation of photovoltaic farms at some fifteen Group sites in France and abroad, the geothermal plant will play a crucial role in achieving the company's sustainability goals. As the project progresses, it will serve as a testament to the potential of deep geothermal energy in the decarbonization of industrial activities and the transition to a low-carbon economy.

In conclusion, Safran's partnership with the Dalkia-Arverne Group consortium to harness deep geothermal heat for a low-carbon industry is a pioneering and strategic move that will significantly reduce the company's carbon footprint and strengthen its energy independence. This project, along with other major Safran initiatives, demonstrates the company's commitment to a low-carbon future and its dedication to contributing to a more sustainable world.