Energy prices, regulations, budgets, climate: choosing heating has never been more strategic for businesses and communities.
Between heat pumps, biomass, heat network or geothermal energy, the solutions are numerous.
Which one to choose?
Is it possible to reconcile economic performance and decarbonization?
Sirenergies offers you an overview of heating energies in France and practical advice to guide your choice.
Panorama 2026: what heating energies for businesses and communities?
The heating energy mix in France is based on five energy sources : natural gas, electricity, fuel oil, biomass and heating networks.
Each has advantages and limitations in terms of cost, efficiency and carbon impact.
Natural gas: an uncertain future
Long considered competitive, gas had an average price of €72/MWh PCI in 2024 for businesses.
However, its attractiveness has been eroded with the increased market volatility, linked to the energy and geopolitical crisis.
A fossil energy that emits greenhouse gases, gas is now undergoing a transition towards a more sustainable model. Its future depends on the biomethane and renewable gases, whose production is still insufficient to cover needs.
Solution technique : chaudière gaz à condensation très haute performance énergétique (THPE)
Un rendement élevé, annoncé de 90 à 110 %.
Jusqu’à 20 % d’économies sur la facture énergétique.
Une compatibilité avec le biométhane injecté dans les réseaux.
Deux limites : l’obligation d’un raccordement au gaz de ville et d’un système de chauffage central (radiateurs, planchers chauffants).
Electricity: a growing heating energy
Electrical heat is gaining ground, driven by the development of heat pumps (PAC) and the decarbonization requirement.
The French electricity mix, which is 95% carbon-free, makes it an environmentally efficient heating energy.
However, Its cost remains high, with a average price in 2024 of €165/MWh excluding VAT.
Uncertainties also remain about the capacity of electrical networks to absorb the simultaneous increase in uses (heating, electric mobility, etc.).
Solution technique : pompe à chaleur (PAC)
Un rendement élevé, avec un coefficient de performance (COP) : 1 kWh d’électricité produit 3 à 7 kW de chaleur.
Une faible empreinte carbone en France.
Un retour sur investissement rapide, entre 4 et 10 ans, malgré un coût initial élevé (de 15 000 € pour un petit local à plus de 300 000 € pour une PAC industrielle).
Une technologie éprouvée pour les bâtiments tertiaires et les process industriels (PAC haute température).
Biomass: a mix of efficiency and constraints
Biomass is attracting growing interest, especially among communities.
With a cost around €80/MWh, this heating energy combines economic competitiveness, local resource and very low carbon footprint (short cycle).
However, wood heating raises questions, as it emits fine particles that degrade air quality.
It also involves storage, logistics and supply constraints.
Solution technique : la chaufferie bois collective
Un coût maîtrisé de 110 € / MWh dans les secteurs collectif et tertiaire.
Un rendement élevé, entre 75 et 90 %.
Un haut niveau de décarbonation, avec 12,3 g de CO₂ par kWh.
Une solution mature pour les réseaux de chaleur et les bâtiments publics.
Renewable heat: efficient heating energy
The Energy Transition for Green Growth Act (LTECV) sets a target of 38% of renewable energies in final heat consumption in 2030.
In 2023, this rate reached 29.6%.
In 2024, the Chaleur Fund helped create 1,350 new renewable heat installations. These projects come from communities and businesses. They include heat networks, geothermal energy, and waste heat.
In total, they represent a production of 3.6 TWh per year.
Un mix très décarboné (62 à 65 % d’énergie renouvelable et de récupération).
Un coût stable et compétitif (entre 60 et 90 €/MWh).
Une gestion externalisée.
Une solution très performante.
Très faibles émissions de CO₂.
Limites : investissement élevé et contraintes géologiques.
Issue des process industriels et systèmes de refroidissement.
Une solution très rentable.
Priorisée pour l’industrie et les data centers.
Fuel oil: heating energy in decline
Placed on the bench of global warming, fuel oil is resistant thanks to its still attractive cost, to €63.5 per MWh in 2024.
However, its decline is predicted.
THEBanned since 2022 boilers emitting more than 300 gCO2eq/kWh PCI actually excludes oil boilers.
Oil heating has high maintenance costs and a big impact on the climate. It should therefore only be used if no other options are available, or only temporarily.
Graphic: Ministries Land Management Ecological Transition - Sources: SDES; DGEC; INSEE
Businesses and local authorities: what are the criteria for choosing your heating energy?
The choice of heating energy is strategic for businesses and communities.
The challenge? Reconciling energy efficiency, budgetary constraints, regulatory compliance and a low-carbon trajectory.
Technical and financial criteria
The choice and sizing of a heating system depends on the characteristics specific to the site:
The characteristics of the buildings : type of premises (offices, storage warehouses, industrial buildings, health establishments...), presence of thermal processes, ceiling height, area, etc.
The energy performance of buildings : insulation level, airtightness, year of construction, energy renovation in progress or to be planned, etc.
Accessibility to networks : available electrical power, gas supply, logistical accessibility for biomass, proximity to a collective heating network, etc.
The costs installation, operation and maintenance, to assess the overall cost of ownership (TCO).
Regulatory constraints in terms of energy performance
The choice of heating energy is also dictated by the regulatory framework to which the company or the community is subject.
Several texts apply, depending on the organization:
The decree of January 5, 2022 prohibits everyone from installing new boilers that emit more than 300 gCO2eq/kWh PCI.
The Tertiary decree Imposes on businesses and communities owning more than 1,000 m² of buildings for tertiary use: a gradual reduction in energy consumption. This requirement encourages efficient and carbon-free heating solutions.
Carbon reporting obligations : several texts require large companies and local authorities to publish their energy and environmental performances (carbon balance, ESG reporting, European CSRG/CS3D directives, duty of vigilance). The adoption of low-carbon heating improves the indicators.
Access to financial aid
To benefit from financial aid, the projects of businesses and local authorities must respect minimum energy performance criteria (consistent with the National Low Carbon Strategy (SNBC)).
For example, the Chaleur Fund primarily finances efficient and carbon-free solutions.
It requires a minimum of 65% renewable and recovered energies for heat networks and a thermal efficiency greater than 85% for biomass.
Concretely, which heating system should you choose according to your business profile? The practical guide
Do you have a limited budget?
Several solutions heating systems reduce investment and operating costs, such as:
Biomass, adapted to high-consumption sites.
The heating network, if you are in an urban area.
The air/water heat pump for medium-sized tertiary buildings.
If it's aimed at individuals, maybe it can be relevant for businesses. It provides an idea of the orders of magnitude of the carbon impact of heating depending on the energy used.
Do you have complex heating needs?
For large buildings or specific needs, your choice may relate to:
Geothermal energy, which is particularly stable and suitable for large areas.
Collective biomass.
The heating network.
The high temperature heat pump for industrial processes.
Comparative table of the main heating energies in 2026
Énergie
Coût estimé du kWh
Investissement
Émissions CO₂ (gCO₂/kWh)
Évolutivité / pérennité
Électricité / PAC
€€
Élevé
Très faible
Excellente
Gaz naturel
€€
Moyen
Moyen
Moyenne
Biogaz
€€€
Moyen
Faible
Très bonne
Biomasse
€
Élevé
Très faible
Très bonne
Fioul
€€€
Faible
Élevée
Très faible
Réseaux de chaleur
€–€€
Faible à moyen
Faible
Très bonne
Géothermie
€
Très élevé
Très faible
Excellente
What financial assistance will be available to heat your professional buildings in 2026?
In 2026, businesses and local authorities have a wide range of aids available to finance the decarbonization of their heating. These systems prioritize environmental projects that are virtuous in terms of energy and environment.
The Chaleur Fund: the reference aid
Managed by ADEME, the Chaleur Fund is the main lever for financing renewable heat in France, for businesses, manufacturers and communities.
In 16 years, it has distributed 5.1 billion euros in aid, including 820 million in 2024. It primarily supports heat networks, biomass boilers, geothermal energy and waste heat recovery.
Energy Saving Certificates (CEE)
The device of EEC requires energy suppliers to finance energy efficiency operations.
As a matter of priority, CEEs encourage the installation of heat pumps, the connection to a heating network, the recovery systems of Fatal heat And the biomass boilers collective.
Local aid and territorial programs
Regions, departments, intermunicipalities and cities support renewable heat projects locally, in the form of subsidies, ofcalls for projects Or of bonuses.
For example, the Grand Est region provides financial support for surface geothermal energy, wood boilers and solar thermal energy. The Occitanie region is targeting its aid on biomass heating plants.
Other mobilisable devices
Several national or sectoral programmes complement aid for heating installations (France 2030, ADEME, Bpifrance).
To identify relevant and up-to-date aid according to your profile, territory and project, go to the ADEME and territorial aid sites listed by the State.
Which heating systems receive the most support in 2026?
Système de chauffage
Niveau d’aide probable
Niveau de priorité
PAC air/eau
★★★
Priorité nationale
PAC haute température / industrielles
★★★★
Stratégique pour la décarbonation industrielle
Chaudière biomasse
★★★★
Très soutenue
Géothermie
★★★★
Fort soutien à l’investissement
Raccordement réseau de chaleur
★★★
Dépend du mix énergétique local
Chaudière gaz très haute performance
★★
Aides en baisse
Fioul
-
Non éligible
Les gestes simples pour réduire votre facture de chauffage et améliorer votre bilan carbone
Ajustez les températures : 1°C de moins, c’est jusqu’à 7 % d’économie.
Renforcez l’isolation de vos bâtiments.
Assurez une maintenance régulière de vos systèmes de chauffage pour maintenir leur rendement.
Pilotez finement vos équipements et programmez la température en fonction des heures de présence.
To conclude
In 2026, businesses, industries and local authorities have a wide range of options to reconcile economic performance and carbon footprint reduction. Electricity, biomass and heat networks are emerging as the most sustainable forms of energy. The right choice will depend on your budget, your low-carbon strategy, the assistance that can be mobilized and your logistical constraints.
Do you want to go further and identify the most efficient and/or sustainable heating solution for your site? Sirenergies supports you in energy analysis, technological choice and access to financial aid.
What is the point of following Spot & Forward prices?
This makes it possible to choose the right time to contract, secure your budgets and anticipate increases.
What are the advantages of sourcing?
Sourcing offers better visibility on the market and promotes the selection of competitive contracts. It helps to reduce the risks associated with price volatility and to optimize the energy budget.
What is the difference between €/MWh and kWh?
The €/MWh is a price unit used in wholesale markets, while kWh is the unit visible on your bills.
Comment financer les travaux communaux sans augmenter la taxe foncière ?
Plusieurs leviers existent pour préserver la fiscalité locale :
Les CEE (Certificats d’Économie d’Énergie) : Un financement privé majeur pour l'efficacité énergétique.
L'optimisation de l'achat d'énergie : Choisir des contrats adaptés (prix fixes, indexés ou groupés) pour dégager des marges de manœuvre dès la première année.
Les aides publiques : Mobiliser le Fonds Vert, le FEDER ou le Fonds Chaleur.
How do I get a tax exemption?
Some businesses may obtain a partial or total exemption from the TICFE or the TICGN, depending on their activity and energy intensity. The support of an expert makes it possible to identify the eligibility criteria and to put together the file.
Quelles sont les nouvelles obligations pour le Décret Tertiaire et l'Audit Énergétique ?
Le calendrier 2026 impose deux échéances majeures :
la déclaration des consommations 2025 sur la plateforme OPERAT avant le 30 septembre
la réalisation d'un audit énergétique avant le 11 octobre pour toutes les entreprises consommant plus de 2,75 GWh/an.
Un appel d’offres permet de mettre en concurrence plusieurs fournisseurs d’électricité et de gaz afin d’obtenir des conditions contractuelles optimisées. C’est une démarche transparente qui permet de choisir l’offre la plus adaptée aux besoins budgétaires et techniques de l’organisation.
Le prix de l'électricité va-t-il baisser en 2026 ?
Pas nécessairement sur votre facture finale. Si les prix de gros (le prix de l'énergie brute) ont baissé, les coûts d'acheminement (TURPE) et certaines taxes augmentent, compensant souvent la baisse de la part énergie.
Comment réduire la puissance souscrite de son compteur ?
En analysant votre courbe de charge pour identifier la puissance réelle appelée, puis en demandant un ajustement à votre fournisseur ou via un expert en énergie.
Comment mobiliser les collaborateurs autour d'un projet de sobriété énergétique ?
La réussite d'un projet collectif énergie repose sur trois piliers fondamentaux :
La visibilité : On ne gère bien que ce que l'on mesure. Partager les données de consommation via des outils comme l'application Pilott donne un sens concret aux efforts fournis.
L'incarnation : Nommer des ambassadeurs énergie internes permet de diffuser les bonnes pratiques par l'exemple et de lever les freins opérationnels propres à chaque métier.
La gamification : Transformer la contrainte en défi (challenges inter-services, concours de l'équipe la plus sobre) crée une dynamique positive et renforce la cohésion d'équipe autour des enjeux RSE.
Qu'est-ce qui remplace l'ARENH en 2026 pour les entreprises ?
L'ARENH est remplacé par le VNU (Versement Nucléaire Universel), un mécanisme de redistribution des revenus excédentaires d'EDF en cas de prix très élevés, et par les CAPN, des contrats long terme pour les gros industriels.
Pourquoi l'humain est-il le premier levier de la performance énergétique ?
Même le bâtiment le plus moderne et le mieux isolé perd son efficacité si ses usages sont inadaptés. La technologie et les normes ne suffisent pas : la transition énergétique est avant tout une transformation humaine.
Derrière chaque kilowattheure consommé se cache une habitude.
Un collaborateur sensibilisé comprend qu'ouvrir une fenêtre alors que le chauffage est allumé ou laisser un ordinateur en veille consomme de l'énergie inutilement. En replaçant l'humain au centre de la stratégie de gestion de l'énergie, l'entreprise s'assure que ses équipements performants sont utilisés de manière optimale, garantissant ainsi une rentabilité durable et un impact environnemental réduit.
How to properly define your subscribed power?
The subscribed power must be calculated according to the consumption profile and uses (heating, industrial processes, tertiary equipment). One fine analysis makes it possible to ensure the adequacy between real need and contract.
What taxes are particularly relevant to manufacturers?
The industry is concerned by TICFE, TICGN and other contributions that may represent an important part of invoices. Sirenergies identifies cases of exemption and accompanies the procedures to benefit from them.
Why change energy suppliers?
Changing suppliers can allow you to benefit from more competitive prices, adapted services or better contractual conditions. Thanks to sourcing, change is happening without interruption of supply.
How to optimize taxes and contributions?
Tertiary companies are concerned by taxes such as TICFE or TICGN. Sirenergies checks the accuracy of invoices, identifies possible exemptions, and helps correct errors to sustainably reduce costs.
Comment réduire ma facture si les prix du marché sont volatils ?
En 2026, les principaux leviers sont : la renégociation de votre contrat de fourniture au bon moment, l'optimisation de votre tarif d'acheminement (TURPE), la vérification de votre éligibilité aux taux réduits de taxes (Accise), et la réduction de votre consommation (efficacité énergétique, autoconsommation).
What are the challenges for tertiary companies?
Tertiary companies must manage their energy costs while guaranteeing the comfort of users (offices, shops, services). Consumption is often linked to heating, air conditioning and lighting, which requires precise monitoring to avoid budgetary excesses.
Quel est l'impact réel de la rénovation de l'éclairage public ?
C'est le levier le plus rapide pour obtenir des résultats visibles. L'éclairage représente environ 40 % de la consommation d'électricité d'une commune.
Passer au LED avec pilotage intelligent permet de réduire la facture de 50 à 80 %, avec un retour sur investissement (ROI) rapide, souvent estimé à 2 ou 3 ans.
How do I read an electricity or gas bill?
One invoice consists of several elements: consumption, supplier share, taxes and contributions. The analysis of each line makes it possible to identify possible errors and to check the consistency with the signed contract.
What are the main taxes applicable?
Among the taxes include TICFE, TICGN, CTA, CJA and TURPE. They represent a significant part of the bill and vary according to consumption profiles. Understanding them well is essential to optimize costs.
Who can benefit from optimizing invoices and taxes?
All businesses, from SMEs to large organizations, can benefit from this service. Les local authorities also find it a lever to better control their budgets.
Which taxes are particularly relevant for farms?
Farms are subject to taxes such as TICFE or TICGN. Sirenergies verifies their application, identifies cases of exemption and accompanies the procedures to reduce the tax burden.
What is energy sourcing?
Sourcing consists in identifying and analysing the offers of several electricity and gas suppliers. This approach makes it possible to obtain contracts adapted to the consumption profile and budgetary constraints of the company.
Qu'est-ce qui remplace l'ARENH depuis le 1er janvier 2026 ?
Le dispositif ARENH a laissé place au VNU (Versement Nucléaire Universel).
Ce changement structurel expose davantage les entreprises aux prix de gros, rendant la gestion des risques plus complexe qu'auparavant.
Quand faut-il renégocier son contrat d'électricité professionnel pour 2026 ?
Idéalement entre 6 et 12 mois avant l'échéance, de préférence au printemps ou au début de l'été lorsque la demande est plus faible.
What are the concrete benefits for tertiary companies?
Les profits include a direct reduction in bills, strengthened budgetary forecasting and better control of consumption. Businesses gain visibility and efficiency thanks to adapted tools.
How to optimize the taxes and contributions of a community?
Communities are subject to taxes such as TICFE or TICGN. Sirenergies analyzes invoices, identifies exemption possibilities and fixes possible errors to reduce the tax burden.
What are the energy challenges of the agricultural sector?
Farms must deal with high seasonal needs (greenhouse heating, irrigation, storage) and high volatility of prizes. Controlling these costs is essential to maintain profitability and secure the business.
What are the consequences of overpowering?
Exceeding capacity leads to financial penalties and can impact the size of the contract. Adjust the correctly subscribed power makes it possible to avoid these additional costs.
What are the energy challenges for manufacturers?
Industrial companies consume large volumes of energy for their production processes. They have to deal with the volatility of prizes, multi-site management and specific taxes. Controlling costs is essential to remain competitive.
The answers to your questions
What data is required to launch a tender?
It is necessary to provide theconsumption history, current contracts, the number of sites and specific constraints. These elements make it possible to prepare precise specifications and to objectively analyze the offers received.
What is energy sourcing?
Sourcing consists in identifying and analysing the offers of several electricity and gas suppliers. This approach makes it possible to obtain contracts adapted to the consumption profile and budgetary constraints of the company.
What is energy strategy consulting?
Energy strategy consulting aims to support companies in the analysis of their contracts and consumption, the identification of optimization levers and the integration of regulatory and budgetary constraints. The objective is to secure decisions and improve overall performance.
.png){kind=icon}
