Geosciences serving regions

In the face of global change, regional planning must become "sustainable" in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, preserve natural resources and promote their resilience by adapting to the effects of global warming.

This requires a detailed characterisation of the subsurface, to better understand the risks associated with it and to incorporate its potential contribution to the ecological transition in the best possible way.

Ensuring the supply of mineral resources

Securing the supplies of mineral materials (lithium, copper, rare earths, etc.) needed for the energy and digital transitions requires both a better understanding of our subsurface resources and more recycling of useful substances from waste. Recycling excavated earth from building sites to create new structures or development projects, also contributes to a circular economy.

Managing water resources

The availability and quality of groundwater are substantially affected by climate change (drought, heavy rainfall, etc.), growing demand for its various uses (irrigation, drinking water, etc.) and human activities that cause pollution. Forward-looking, integrated management of this resource requires the monitoring of groundwater levels, a better understanding of how aquifers function and the development of decision-making and steering tools, combined with ad hoc governance.

Managing coastal risks

Coastal areas, in both mainland France and its overseas territories, are particularly vulnerable to climate change, which increases the risk of coastal flooding and erosion, leading to a retreat of the coastline (the boundary between land and sea). Understanding these phenomena and their impact is essential for risk prevention and crisis management to enable regions to adapt through relevant and effective solutions.

Producing energy

With its potential for energy production and storage, the subsurface plays a key role in a low-carbon energy mix. Near-surface (down to 200 metres) and deep geothermal applications are major levers for France's energy transition. Underground storage of heat or energy carriers (hydrogen in particular) is also set to develop.

Storing carbon

In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, achieving carbon neutrality will require the geological capturing and storing of CO₂. This solution, for which mainland France offers significant potential, could lead to a massive diminution in non-reducible industrial emissions.

Anticipating ground movements

Climate change affects ground by aggravating not only the impact of extreme hydro-meteorological phenomena (droughts, floods, cyclones, etc.) but also seasonal contrasts. As a result, regions are becoming more vulnerable to the hazards of ground movements, such as subsidence and even sink-holes and the shrinking/swelling of clay-rich ground.

Preserving water quality

PFASs are manufactured and used for their valuable properties in many industrial sectors. When these pollutants, described as "forever chemicals" because of their persistence, are released into the environment, for example into rivers, they can migrate into aquifers, which are the main source of drinking water in France.