Drilling ongoing for geothermal project at Safran Villaroche site in Seine-et-Marne, France
Drilling operations for the geothermal project at the Safran site in Villaroche, Francce (source: Sylvie Jéhanno via LinkedIn)
Carlo Cariaga
25 Feb 2026
Drilling of wells is now underway for a planned geothermal project at the site of Safran Air Engines in Villaroche in Seine-et-Marne, France.
Drilling operations are well underway for a planned geothermal project at the Villaroche site of aircraft engine manufacturer Safran Aircraft Engines (Safran) in Seine-et-Marne, France.
The drilling of the production well has already been completed, and the team will now move to drilling of the injection well. This is expected to be completed by April. The plant is then scheduled to be commissioned by Fall 2026.
The geothermal wells are being drilled to a target depth of 1650 meters where thermal waters at temperatures of approximately 75 °C are expected.
First announced in early 2025, the planned facility will combine deep geothermal energy, heat pumps, and modernized heating networks to replace 84% of the energy needs currently supplied by gas boilers. It is part of the efforts of Safran to reduce the CO2 emissions of their operations by 50% by 2030.
The aircraft designer and manufacturer has contracted Dalkia and Arverne Drilling Services to design, build, and maintain the geothermal plant, and drill the wells, respectively.
“We are proud to be pioneers in this geothermal project in the Île-de-France region. This new installation reinforces our commitment to decarbonizing our industrial activities,” said Delphine Berilloux, Director of Human and Social Responsibility at Safran Aircraft Engines.
“Dalkia is very proud to support Safran Aircraft Engines in this pioneering project, the first of its kind for the industry in the Île-de-France region. It reflects a strong vision: that of an industry that is resolutely taking action for the climate and that, through this action, is strengthening its long-term competitiveness while consolidating the country’s energy sovereignty,” added Sylvie Jéhanno, CEO of Dalkia.
The geothermal project of Safran is one in a growing list of examples of industry players supporting the development of their own geothermal projects. This helps them secure a reliable and climate-neutral energy source while also expanding the footprint of the geothermal sector. It also positions industry players to play a more active role in geothermal development beyond the typical supplier / off-taker model.
Many similar projects are being undertaken globally, although business models and development plans may vary. Notable examples include automotive manufacturing in France, chemicals manufacturing in Germany, and another aircraft engine manufacturer, also in Germany.
