We Leverage the First Modular and Easy-to-Install Panel Technology That Turns Any New and Existing Underground Space into Renewable Sources for Heating and Cooling of Buildings: Margaux Peltier, CEO of Enerdrape

Enerdrape is a cleantech company spun off from the Swiss Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL). It offers the world’s first prefabricated geothermal panel system, which captures renewable energy from underground spaces like parking garages and tunnels, helping to reduce CO₂ emissions. Enerdrape’s panels are easy to install, require no drilling, and work with all heat pumps. They are ideal for both new buildings and improving existing ones. Enerdrape is focused on harnessing untapped energy sources and aims to lead the way in providing sustainable heating and cooling solutions for smart cities, supporting the global push for a low-carbon energy future. 

SME Business Review spoke with Margaux Peltier, co-founder and CEO of Enerdrape, for an exclusive interview to discuss the company’s innovative geothermal technology and its role in the future of sustainable urban energy solutions. Here’s what she had to say.

Interview Excerpts

Could you tell us what inspired the creation of Enerdrape and your journey into the energy sector?

My inspiration for starting Enerdrape stemmed from the realization that there is a vast untapped energy source beneath our feet that we are not fully utilizing—specifically the heat naturally present in underground spaces. As cities continue to grow, energy demands rise, and sustainable solutions are needed more than ever. I saw the opportunity to harness geothermal energy in a practical and scalable way, especially in urban environments. We wanted to create a system that could easily integrate with existing infrastructure and make energy generation more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.

Your approach to using underground heat is unique. Could you explain how the technology works and why it’s so effective?

Of course! The technology is based on capturing the heat that naturally accumulates underground in spaces like basements, subways, and parking garages. We install heat exchangers beneath buildings, which collect this thermal energy that would otherwise be wasted. We convert it into usable energy, making it available for buildings to use for heating, electricity, or even cooling. What makes our system effective is its simplicity and versatility. It can be retrofitted into existing buildings or incorporated into new designs without requiring significant structural changes. This makes it easy to implement in a variety of environments, from residential complexes to commercial skyscrapers.

That’s impressive. So, what are the primary benefits of Enerdrape’s system for building owners and cities?

There are several key benefits. First, the system helps reduce energy costs for building owners by providing a reliable and renewable source of energy. This also lowers reliance on traditional energy grids, which is critical as energy demand in cities continues to increase. Second, the system contributes to sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the need for additional energy-consuming solutions like gas-powered heating systems. For cities, the scalability of this system means it can play a role in reducing their overall carbon footprint, especially in densely populated areas where the demand for energy is high.

You have mentioned scalability and cost-effectiveness as key aspects of the technology. Could you elaborate on how this is achievable?

Yes, scalability and cost-effectiveness are central to our vision. The technology is designed to be easy to deploy, which means that building owners don’t have to undergo costly and disruptive renovations to benefit from it. Our heat exchangers are simple to install and integrate into existing infrastructure, which makes the upfront costs relatively low compared to other renewable energy solutions. Additionally, the system has low maintenance requirements, so it remains cost-effective over time. The energy savings generated by the system can pay off quickly, making it an attractive option for both large buildings and smaller residential properties.

How does Enerdrape’s solution fit into the larger conversation about sustainable urban development and decarbonization?

Enerdrape’s solution is part of the growing movement toward creating sustainable cities. Buildings are responsible for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, and finding ways to reduce their energy consumption is essential for achieving decarbonization goals. Our system helps cities transition toward net-zero energy buildings by tapping into a previously overlooked source of renewable energy. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels for heating and cooling, we’re contributing to a larger effort to lower emissions across urban environments. We believe that sustainable energy solutions like ours will be crucial in building the cities of the future.

What challenges have you faced in bringing this technology to market, and how have you overcome them?

One of the main challenges we’ve faced is educating building owners and developers about the potential of geothermal energy in urban environments. People often think of geothermal energy as something that’s only applicable in remote or rural areas, but we’ve worked hard to demonstrate that it can be used effectively in cities. There’s also the challenge of navigating regulatory frameworks, which can sometimes be slow to adapt to new technologies. However, we’ve been working closely with municipalities and regulatory bodies to ensure that our solution complies with all necessary standards. By showcasing the tangible benefits of our technology, we’ve been able to gain the support of key stakeholders and move past these obstacles.

What impact do you hope Enerdrape will have on the global energy landscape?

Our ultimate goal is to create a sustainable future for cities around the world. We want to demonstrate that energy can be generated efficiently and sustainably using the resources already available in urban environments. If our technology is widely adopted, it could significantly reduce global reliance on fossil fuels and help cities meet their decarbonization goals. The hope is that by showcasing the potential of urban geothermal energy, we can inspire other innovators to think creatively about how to use existing infrastructure to generate clean energy. We want Enerdrape to be part of a global shift toward more sustainable, energy-efficient cities.

Is there anything else you’d like to add about the future of Enerdrape or the role of innovation in sustainability?

I think it’s important to remember that innovation doesn’t always have to come in the form of groundbreaking new inventions. Sometimes it’s about looking at existing systems and finding smarter ways to use them. At Enerdrape, we’re harnessing the energy that’s already around us and putting it to work for the planet. Sustainability is something that we all need to prioritize, and innovation will continue to play a critical role in that process. We’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and to be part of a larger movement toward creating sustainable cities for the future.

Margaux Peltier, Co-Founder & CEO, Enerdrape

“We leverage the first modular, and easy-to-install panel technology that allows to turn any new and existing underground space into renewable sources for the heating and cooling of buildings.”