To reduce the carbon footprint of their factories, some manufacturers like Stellantis are relying on geothermal energy. Others, like Renault, cite insufficient energy performance and focus on other projects.
Stellantis inaugurated this week a geothermal power plant in its Caen factorylocated in the Calvados department. This industrial site, specializing in the manufacture of gearboxes, now benefits from an investment of 7 million euros intended to reduce its environmental footprint.
This installation will allow to heat workshops and tertiary buildingscovering an area of 80,000 square meters, while providing cooling to other equipment.
What are the interests for automobile factories?
Equipped with three kilometers of pipes, this geothermal power plant is one of the first applications of this technology on an industrial site in France. Thanks to this innovation, the Caen factory plans to reduce its gas consumption by 70% and reduce its CO emissions2 of 75%. This project was supported by the Environment and Energy Management Agency (Ademe) as well as by European funds.
Geothermal energy, which consists of drawing caloric energy from the subsoil to heat or produce electricity, is still not widespread in the industry. However, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), this technology has great potential to meet growing energy needs, provided that its costs fall. Globally, its use remains concentrated at industrial sites in China and New Zealand.
At the same time, Stellantis is exploring other geothermal projects, notably for its Opel factory in Rüsselsheim in Germany. This historic site could benefit from a partnership with Vulcan Energy, a start-up operating a nearby lithium mine. This project, announced at the start of the year, aims to recover caloric energy from lithium extraction.
Other possible alternatives?
In contrast, Renault recently abandoned its geothermal project for its Douai factoryin the North. This site, where the R5 E-Tech and Scénic E-Tech are assembled, was initially to rely on a partnership with Engie to draw hot water at 130-140°C at a depth of 4,000 meters. This system would have made it possible to cover 70% of the heating needs of the factory and machines, or even to produce electricity.
However, Renault confirmed at the beginning of December the abandonment of this project, citing insufficient energy performance. An internal source at the manufacturer specified that alternatives are currently being studied to achieve the objectives of reducing CO emissions.2. Among the avenues considered are photovoltaic energy and biomassareas where Renault is already active.
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