All media releases · 21. May 2024

Start of Drilling Work for the Haute-Sorne Project

Deep drilling is set to begin in Haute-Sorne very soon. Photo: Geo-Energie Suisse AG

Project Milestone & Objectives

Official Start: Following full regulatory approval from the authorities of the Canton of Jura and external experts, Geo-Energie Jura AG has officially launched its first exploratory drilling phase.

Depth & Timeline: The drilling aims to reach a depth of approximately 4,000 meters by September.

Geological Significance: This is a pioneering project for the Swiss Jura region (between Geneva and Basel), as it will be the first borehole to fully penetrate the upper sediment layers and reach deep into the hard crystalline basement rock (granite).

Advanced Technology: The project will utilize cutting-edge hard-rock drilling technologies developed in the United States over the last three years.

Safety, Environment, & Monitoring

Seismic Monitoring: While noticeable earthquakes are virtually impossible during the drilling phase, the Swiss Seismological Service (SED) at ETH Zurich has densified its local monitoring network to provide independent, continuous seismic surveillance.

Environmental Protection: Strict monitoring protocols are in place to safeguard local water quality, air quality, and biodiversity.

Community Considerations: Although operations run 24/7, a specialized soundproofing wall has been built to protect nearby residents and ensure compliance with noise regulations. A comprehensive safety and emergency response plan is also in place.

Next Steps

Data Analysis: Once drilling concludes in September, the collected geological data will undergo a detailed evaluation.

Stimulation Tests (Q1 2025): Underground stimulation tests are scheduled for the first quarter of 2025. The results of these tests will ultimately determine whether the pilot project can transition into its second phase: the realization of future geothermal power plants in Switzerland.

Public Access: While the core construction site remains closed to the public, an information pavilion featuring a viewing terrace, as well as a live webcam, will soon allow the public to track the project's progress in real ti

Media contacts

Peter Meier — CEO, Geo-Energie Suisse AG — T +41 79 248 48 65

Olivier Zingg — CEO, Geo-Energie Jura SA — T +41 79 321 43 20

Geo-Energie Suisse AG is the Swiss centre of excellence for deep geothermal energy for power and heat generation. The company was founded in November 2010. Its founding members include municipal utilities and regional energy suppliers from across Switzerland (aet, EBL, ewz, EOS, ewb, GVM, iwb). Geo-Energie Suisse AG employs around 20 people and is supported on an ad hoc basis by external specialists.

Geo-Energie Jura SA was founded in 2015. Its shareholders are Geo-Energie Suisse AG, ebl, ewb and ewz. The company’s purpose is to implement and subsequently operate the Haute-Sorne geothermal project. Under a tripartite agreement concluded in June 2015 between the Municipality of Haute-Sorne, the Canton of Jura and Geo-Energie Suisse AG, the company is based in the Municipality of Haute-Sorne.