Demonstrator

The GEOTREF project aims to develop innovative methods of qualifying the geothermal resource and for their operational application. To this end, a portion of the project plans to test and validate these methods in the context of a demonstrator. The town of Vieux Habitants was chosen to host this demonstrator due to surface showings and indications of the presence of a subsurface geothermal resource.

Hydrothermal alteration in the east beach of Rocroy

Hydrothermal alteration in the east beach of Rocroy

GEOTREF demonstrator

GEOTREF demonstrator

There are multiple issues associated with this demonstrator. First, there is the validation of methods and tools generated by the project’s R & D. In addition, the project development strategy, as well as its industrial dimension, is associated with the implementation of the demonstrator:

  1. The classification of a commercially exploitable resource would provide Guadeloupe with a renewable deposit for electricity generation, allowing it to move a little closer to energy autonomy.
  2. Furthermore, the GEOTREF project addresses one of the main obstacles to the development of geothermal energy, namely the geological risk. The demonstration of tools and methodologies developed in the framework of the GEOTREF project would provide a true showcase, benefiting the image of the French export offer.

SAS Geothermie de Guadeloupe was specifically created for the needs of the GEOTREF program. Its mission is to implement on site the geothermal exploration: it is therefore the supporting structure for the demonstrator. To protect the results of the exploration work being carried out on the area, a exclusive exploration license (called PER in France) was obtained by SAS Geothermie de Guadeloupe. The executive order published in May 2016 in the official bulletin of the French Republic grants this PER to the SAS Geothermie de Guadeloupe (link to the order).

Through this demonstration, GEOTREF becomes a tool for excellence and innovation in industrial development by combining a research component involving internationally recognized French laboratories on these topics and an industrial-scale demonstration component.