France steams ahead with geothermal energy
Photo: Sarah Elzas
As concern grows about the world's dwindling oil supplies it is no surprise governments are digging deep to find sustainable alternatives. In Paris beneath the crowded city streets, a project is underway to harness the power of hot water. This geothermal energy is potentially limitless - as long as engineers can create the infrastructure to support it.
Paris' regional heating company, the CPCU, does the drilling at a geothermal plant on the outskirts of the city. Machines reach 18 metres underground to a layer of porous rock that is saturated with water.
The water that is sucked out is 74ºC, and can be used to provide 60% of Paris' heating needs.
There are currently 61 geothermic power stations in France and 41 of them are in the Paris area. Michel Andres, CEO of Semhach, which runs one of the plants, says: "Our rates are roughly 20% lower than the price of natural gas, which today is still seen as the cheapest energy for heating.
"All renewable energy sources are decentralised solutions, addressing local needs. I think if we want to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we need to combine solutions.
"Anything that can reduce our use of fossil fuels, or nuclear power, is still good for the planet."
Listen to a report by Sarah Elzas:
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