Following an interview by Marcel Jud, ener|gate messenger, with Olivier Zingg
Haute-Sorne (energate) – Geo-Energie Suisse and Geo-Energie Jura recently completed the stimulation tests for the Haute-Sorne deep geothermal project. ener|gate asked Olivier Zingg, Director of Geo-Energie Jura, about the current status of the project and when geothermal electricity might be produced in Haute-Sorne. The interview also covers current projects by Geo-Energie Suisse, which has a stake in Geo-Energie Jura, as well as the future trend in the production costs of geothermal energy.
In the interview with the trade magazine ener|gate messenger, Olivier Zingg, Director of Geo-Energie Jura SA, explains the current status and future prospects of the deep geothermal project in Haute-Sorne.
Project status in Haute-Sorne
- Completion of tests: The stimulation tests were recently successfully completed. The data obtained from these tests complements previous exploratory drilling and geophysical surveys.
- Next steps: The analysis of the data will take around three months and will form the basis for the decision on whether to proceed with the project. The aim is to reach a decision in principle before the end of the year.
- Acceptance: Through increased public outreach, tensions amongst the local population have been eased and many concerns allayed.
Capacity and Timeline
- Production potential: The plant is expected to deliver an electrical output of 5 MW and a thermal output of 40 MW.
- Output: Annual electricity production is projected at 40 GWh.
- Commissioning: Electricity production is scheduled to commence in 2029.
International cooperation and costs
- Partnership with the USA: Geo-Energie Suisse (GES) is working closely with the US ‘Utah Forge’ project. GES is contributing its expertise in seismic monitoring and, in return, has been able to calibrate and improve measuring instruments for Haute-Sorne.
- Cost reduction: Production costs are expected to fall to around 15 rappen/kWh (Swiss centimes/kWh) in future.
- Economies of scale: Whilst the drilling in Haute-Sorne cost around CHF 20 million, drilling in the USA is already possible for USD 5 million. Larger power stations (approx. 30 MW) are expected to enable further economies of scale in future.
Link to the interview in ener|gate messenger in German (only for subscribers)
Link to the interview in ener|gate messenger in French (only for subscribers)