Reducing the carbon footprint is no longer an option, but an indispensable condition for cities to remain habitable. In this context, geoenergy —shallow geothermal energy applied to heating and cooling— is positioned as one of the smartest ways to harness renewable energy available beneath the foundations of buildings.
Shallow Geothermal: Continuous and Predictable Energy
The solution is based on extracting thermal energy from the subsoil at less than 200 meters deep, where the temperature remains relatively constant throughout the year. This stability allows:
- Extracting heat in winter.
- Dissipating heat in summer.
- Operating with geothermal heat pumps in closed systems, without altering the subsoil balance.
European studies show that shallow geothermal could cover a large part of the heating and cooling needs of the building stock, with significant reductions in emissions and energy consumption compared to traditional fossil systems.
The Earth as a Thermal Battery
The central idea is to use the subsoil as a long-lasting thermal battery, respecting its limits and ensuring a safe, local energy supply with very low CO₂ emissions.
The geothermal solution integrates from the design of the subsoil and surface to the exploitation and digital monitoring of the HVAC system, adapting to the objectives of each project: emissions reduction, comfort, costs, and environmental certifications.
Key Innovation: Star-Shaped Exchanger
One of the most outstanding elements is the star-shaped geothermal heat exchanger, which through inclined drilling from a single point creates a compact and efficient well field. This geometry:
- Optimizes the system sizing.
- Reduces the occupied surface (equivalent to two parking spaces).
- Improves the thermal utilization of the subsoil, better distributing heat and cold loads.
The system operates in a closed circuit, with double U probes that exchange heat with the rock without extracting water, preserving the thermal balance and minimizing environmental risks.
Digital Management and Intelligent Control
The energy is managed from a compact technical room, equipped with high-efficiency heat pumps, exchangers, accumulators, and advanced control systems.
Digitalization allows creating a true thermal dialogue between the building and the subsoil:
- Continuous monitoring of temperatures, electrical consumption, and seasonal performance.
- Automatic adjustment of hot or cold energy according to real demand.
- Real-time visualization of energy savings and avoided emissions.
This translates into greater overall performance, less equipment wear, and stable thermal comfort for the occupants.
Durability and Replicability
The geothermal exchanger is designed for a useful life exceeding 50 years, comparable to the building structure. The initial investment is amortized over decades, while auxiliary equipment can be renewed in shorter technological cycles.
The solution is industrializable and replicable in complete portfolios of buildings: offices, hospitals, university campuses, logistics platforms, and retail. Once geological and energy parameters are validated in a pilot project, designs can be adapted with standardized methodology.
Economic and Environmental Impact
Economic models consider:
- Energy savings of up to 75% compared to fossil systems.
- Reduction of the energy bill thanks to better performance and use of renewable electricity.
- Optimization of operation and maintenance costs.
- Increase in asset value due to environmental certifications and comfort.
From an environmental perspective, geoenergy contributes to:
- Significant reduction of CO₂ emissions.
- Preservation of the thermal balance of the subsoil.
- Reduction of noise and heat expelled into the urban environment.
The compact geothermal solution developed by this French startup responds to the current climate urgency and prepares the energy infrastructure of buildings for future generations. Its ability to save energy, occupy minimal space, and adapt to dense urban environments makes it a key tool for the progressive decarbonization of the European and global building stock.
