Orléans, France
The project was scheduled for construction during the 2025 summer school holidays, with commissioning planned for the fall. However, a feasibility study estimated costs at €2 million, while bids revealed expenses would exceed €3 million. Additionally, the need for 25 boreholes across a large area raised significant land use concerns, contributing to the decision to halt the project, as discussed during a city council meeting.
Sandrine Menivard, Deputy Mayor responsible for rehabilitation work, noted the project’s environmental benefits: “The system would reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90% and deliver energy savings of 75% to 80%.” Despite these advantages, the cost overrun and logistical challenges made continuation unfeasible. The decision reflects a cautious approach to balancing environmental goals with practical constraints.
Baptiste Chapuis, a councilor who supported the initiative from its inception, expressed disappointment: “We can only regret this rather significant difference between the preliminary study and the actual proposal. I therefore understand the desire not to extend it to other schools, but we could perhaps have pushed the exercise to the end, at least in this school.” His remarks highlight the missed opportunity to test geothermal heating at the Nécotin complex, which could have set a precedent for sustainable energy use in Orléans.
The cancellation underscores the challenges of implementing innovative energy solutions when faced with budgetary and logistical hurdles. While the project aimed to advance Orléans’ commitment to reducing carbon emissions, the city will now explore alternative approaches to achieve its sustainability objectives for public institutions.
