Successful geothermal study for the Geneva basin, Switzerland

Seismic truck in Geneva, Switzerland (source: SIG)

The Canton of Geneva and the Industrial Services of Geneva (SIG) draw extremely positive results from the unprecedented prospecting campaign in the subsoil of the Geneva basin, so the company in a release last week. This urban seismic prospecting campaign is an international first, both in terms of its complexity and its scope. It will serve as a reference in Switzerland and abroad. It made it possible to collect a great deal of quality data during analysis. In about a year, they will provide the Canton with a first 3D image of the basement. A decisive step that will allow targeted drilling of medium depth.

New campaign

The Canton of Geneva and the Industrial Services of Geneva congratulate themselves on the good progress of the underground prospecting campaign in the Geneva basin, which ended on October 15. Carried out in just 5 weeks, this campaign made it possible to acquire data on 80% of the canton and part of its border area. This operation involved many challenges, including the complexity of the territory. Indeed, in spite of its modest surface, the Geneva territory is nonetheless diversified by its wine-growing, forest, country, lake, very dense urban and industrial zones. What is more, the campaign took place in Switzerland and neighboring France.

Exemplary collaboration

The Geneva and border populations were particularly impacted by this prospecting campaign. Antonio Hodgers, State Councilor in charge of the Territory Department thanked all the residents for their understanding and patience in the face of the nuisance caused. The collaboration with the municipalities of Geneva and neighboring France has been exemplary. The support of these actors was also a key element for the success of the operation. “Thanks to all of you, Geneva will benefit from the knowledge essential to the development and operation of medium-depth geothermal energy. This technology not only represents the

Large-scale operation

Two years of meticulous preparation were necessary to organize this complex and unprecedented campaign. In particular, it was necessary to obtain passage authorizations for more than 20,000 plots. Excellent coordination between the Canton, SIG, the Federal Office of Energy and the service providers has demonstrated the effectiveness of the concept. “SIG is proud to have carried out this large-scale campaign by taking up many operational and human challenges with its successes, its hiccups, its anecdotes and some unpublished images”, underlines Christian Brunier, Managing Director of SIG. He adds: “the numbers are giddy!” “. Indeed, 38,000 vibrating points recorded by 21,000 geophones, these little orange boxes installed along roads, paths, parking lots, etc. 200 people in the field alternately crisscrossed the territory, 6 days a week at night and in all weathers. Despite the 1150 stolen / displaced geophones, the system put in place made it possible to collect a great deal of good quality data. In addition, the methods used made it possible to reduce the duration of the campaign and limit the risk of damage. In fact, out of 20,000 plots visited, only 46 potential damages were announced. These stored data represent approximately 100 TB and must now be processed before being able to restore a map of the subsoil and its natural resources. out of 20,000 plots visited, only 46 potential damages were announced. These stored data represent approximately 100 TB and must now be processed before being able to restore a map of the subsoil and its natural resources. out of 20,000 plots visited, only 46 potential damages were announced. These stored data represent approximately 100 TB and must now be processed before being able to restore a map of the subsoil and its natural resources.

Geneva, a pioneer in Switzerland

“The campaign which has just been carried out in Geneva will also benefit the other regions of Switzerland which will be able to benefit from the Geneva experience”, rejoices Nathalie Andenmatten Berthoud, head of the GEothermies program in the State of Geneva and president of Geothermal area. She recalls that “the results of this prospecting campaign are a major step in the GEothermies program, they will make it possible to maximize the chances of success and to have a wide choice of targets for future operation”. The next stage foresees two exploratory wells, in 2023 and 2024, in perfectly targeted locations in Geneva.

100% local and renewable, geothermal energy is an alternative to fossil fuels and could, by 2035, cover 20% of the thermal needs of the population of Geneva. An effective and sustainable way to face the climate emergency and meet the challenges related to the ecological transition of the canton.

More information on the project can be found at geothermies.ch

Source: Company release