The Canton of Vaud in Switzerland has announced a geological survey for geothermal exploration and a call for medium-deep geothermal projects.

The State Council of the Canton of Vaud in Switzerland is planning the launch of two initiatives that aim to support geothermal development in the region – a geological survey program to understand the subsurface of Vaud, and a call for medium-depth geothermal projects to be undertaken by private stakeholders.

“The resources and functions of the subsoil constitute a key lever for the energy and climate transition. Our subsoil is extremely rich, but we know little and poorly about it,” said Minister of the Environment and Energy, Vassilis Venizelos. “We want to increase our power and competence to better understand our subsoil and find these resources in order to exploit them sustainably.”

Venizelos emphasized that the Canton has set a target of 20 geothermal production sites by 2050. According to the Councillor, geothermal energy, both shallow and deep, could cover about 35% of the heating needs of Vaud.

The State Council has already filed a request for funding of CHF 20 million from the Grand Council to support the proposed geological survey. The funding will allow for a suite of exploration campaigns including a subsurface reconnaissance campaign (3D seismic), groundwater studies, and studies on the potential for CO2 or heat storage.

In parallel, the Canton is launching a call for geothermal projects in the coming summer with an initial budget of CHF 5 million. The call for projects is aimed at developing two to three medium-depth geothermal projects with private stakeholders.

Multiple seismic exploration campaigns have been done in Vaud over the years, covering 220 kilometers of 2D lines and 480 square kilometers of 3D seismic data acquisition. Three exploration boreholes have also been drilled, specifically in Lavey-les-bains, Montagny-pres-Yverdon, and Vinzel. These boreholes were not productive due to either insufficient temperature or flowrate, but were invaluable in providing subsurface geologic data. 3D seismic data acquisition had recently been completed in the northern Vaud region by the YOM consortium.

Source: Canton of Vaud and 24Heures