Swiss Geo Energy acquires geothermal research permit for La Broye, Switzerland
The River Broye in Payerne, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland (source: Krzysztof Golik, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Carlo Cariaga
4 Apr 2024
Swiss Geo Energy has received a permit to explore for geothermal resources, including lithium and green hydrogen, at the GeoCogen La Broye site in Switzerland.
Geothermal developer Swiss Geo Energy (SGE) has been awarded a new surface research permit (PRSU) for the GeoCogen La Broye project in the Payerne-Avenches region in Switzerland. The permit was granted by the State of Vaud and opens the way for the conduct of a geophysical campaign by seismic reflection to assess the geothermal potential of the study area.
The data collected will be used to create a three-dimensional map of underground structures and identify the most promising drilling sites.
This will also be the first project in Switzerland where a geothermal assessment will be done simultaneously with a study on whether the geological conditions are favorable for the production of lithium and/or native hydrogen. In addition, this project plans to extend over an exploration area of ??nearly 200 km², shared between the cantons of Vaud and Fribourg. The plan is for the operations to proceed between autumn 2025 and spring 2026.
The GeoCogen La Broye project aims to produce electricity and heat to supply district heating networks in the regions of Payerne, Avenches and Fribourg. If the geothermal potential is confirmed, one or more hydrothermal geothermal power plants could see the light of day. It will also include the exploration of lithium and native hydrogen resources, two resources essential to the energy transition.
Building on previous experience
This authorization marks the second important milestone for SGE after the successful 3D seismic campaign as part of its first project, GeoCogen Eclépens. SGE will draw on the positive experience acquired during the previous measurement campaign to prepare for that of Avenches and Payerne.
The company highlights that the geophysical measurement campaign at Eclépens has demonstrated its ability to carry out environmentally friendly regional explorations while obtaining some of the most detailed and dense results in Europe. The development of GeoCogen La Broye will follow this same approach of technological innovation and constructive dialogue with all stakeholders.
“Building on the success of our geophysical campaign for the GeoCogen Eclépens project, we are encouraged by the confidence that the State of Vaud continues to place in us to initiate a new geothermal project in the Broye region. Furthermore, we are taking steps with the Friborg cantonal authorities to obtain the necessary permissions for surface measurements in Friborg territory,” said Pascal Vinard, Technical Director at SGE.
Source: Email correspondence
.jpg){kind=link}