Surface studies to start geothermal exploration in Gruyère, Switzerland

Géothermie Préalpes SA is evaluating the geothermal potential in the Gruyère district of Switzerland (source: Gruyère Energie)

Géothermie Préalpes SA will be conducting a data acquisition campaign as part of a study to explore the geothermal potential in Gruyère, Switzerland. Throughout the month of November 2023, special vehicles will travel the roads of the Gruyère district with the aim of mapping the subsoil and assessing the presence of geothermal water.

We had first reported on plans to examine the geothermal potential in Gruyère earlier this year, with partial funding by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy.

After a preliminary study revealing an interesting hydrothermal potential in Gruyère, Géothermie Préalpes SA will carry out a data acquisition campaign to better understand the subsoil of the region. If the potential is confirmed, Géothermie Préalpes SA may consider exploiting this local, renewable, clean and safe energy source.

Géothermie Préalpes SA hopes to be able to confirm the presence of usable water tables between 3,000 and 4,000 meters deep. These natural hot water reservoirs could be used to supply Gruyère Energie’s district heating (CAD). If the temperature of the geothermal water is high enough, it would also be possible to consider electricity production.

Details on the seismic campaign

Waves will be sent by the measurement vehicles into the ground which will then be reflected by the different geological layers and captured by devices called geophones. The data from this campaign will make it possible to create a subsurface map and better characterize a potential geothermal resource.

Measurements will be taken mainly during the night to reduce background noise during acquisition and obtain more reliable data. Vibrations may be felt near the vehicles for a few seconds, then they will move a few tens of meters to the next measurement point.  At the end of the campaign, the measuring equipment will be recovered without leaving a trace on the ground.

Data acquisition will take place in the following municipal territories:

• Bulle
• Corbières
• Hauteville
• Pont-en-Ogoz
• Sorens
• Echarlens
• Marsens
• Riaz
• Sâles
• Vaulruz,
• Vuadens
• Bas-Intyamon
• Broc
• Gruyères
• Le Pâquier
• Châtel -sur-Montsalvens
• Crésuz
• Val-de-Charmey

The movement of the measurement vehicles can also be tracked in real-time on the project website.

During the summer of 2023, the agents of Géothermie Préalpes SA contacted the landowners in the exploration area in order to request the necessary rights for the installation of geophones and the passage of measurement vehicles. In addition, all the municipalities concerned responded positively to the request for the use of public property for the passage of these mobile convoys. The canton of Friborg gave its authorization by granting a surface research permit by its decree of March 7, 2023.

After the survey, interpretation of the data collected is expected to take several months. It will constitute the basis for defining the next steps which would take place between 2024 and 2027. This would notably involve a second campaign of geophysical measurements over a more restricted area and a reconnaissance drilling.

Source: Gruyère Energie