About
GeoCogen La Broye
Located across Vaud, Fribourg, and Bern cantons, this project maps geothermal potential across nearly 500 km² to identify multiple promising targets.
The objective:
Multiple geothermal power plants producing regional heat & power
GeoCogen La Broye aims at developing hydrothermal geothermal technology to deliver energy solutions across the Broye region. By the 2033, households and businesses across multiple sites will receive heat via district heating networks and agricultural facilities, benefiting from local and renewable energy. The electricity produced will be fed into the Swiss electrical grid, increasing the share of renewable energy.
Hydrothermal technology
Using hydrothermal systems that exploit natural geological structures, without fracking, facilitating groundwater circulation at depths exceeding 2000 metres, where temperatures can reach suitable levels for energy production.
Environmental approach
Implementing hydrothermal methods with environmental monitoring and adherence to geothermal exploration protocols, with support from cantonal authorities and federal energy offices.
GeoCogen La Broye:
A comprehensive exploration project
The GeoCogen La Broye project follows a structured development approach across multiple phases. The large-scale geophysical campaign will cover extensive territory to identify and prioritise geothermal targets for systematic development according to their potential.
Winter 2026 - 2027
Geophysical campaign
Completed the 3D seismic acquisition over 32 communes in the Eclépens region
2027 - 2028
Processing & interpretation
Data analysis including 3D models, geological maps, fault analysis, and similarity mapping
2029 - 2030
Drilling preparation
Final preparations for drilling operations
2030
Drilling
First geothermal well drilling
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2033
Commercial phase
Finalising doublet and launching the commercial operations (1.5 Mwe & 18 MWth)
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Potential for
lithium extraction
The GeoCogen La Broye project may offer additional opportunities for lithium extraction alongside geothermal energy production. Based on research by the Georesources Switzerland Group & ETH Zürich, the geological formations in this region share similarities with other areas in Switzerland that contain lithium concentrations.
Promising geological formations for lithium
Two Swiss wells at Pfaffnau and Berlingen have shown lithium concentrations of 82 mg/l and 144 mg/l in the Upper Muschelkalk aquifer. The La Broye region contains similar geological formations, suggesting potential for lithium-enriched geothermal brines at 2000 to 4000 meters depth.
Economic potential for critical raw materials
Extracting lithium alongside geothermal energy could provide additional economic value to the project. Lithium is a key material needed for the energy transition, particularly for battery storage, making geothermal brines an alternative source to conventional mining.
Deep geothermal energy:
The hydrothermal approach
Swiss Geo Energy employs hydrothermal technology, targeting naturally heated groundwater circulation at depths exceeding 2,000 metres. This approach avoids hydraulic stimulation or fracking, enabling both district heating and electricity generation without underground fracturing.
Proven safe technology
Hydrothermal technology has operated successfully for decades around Paris and over 15 years near Munich without causing seismic activity or environmental issues. This non-invasive method requires precise geological characterisation through geophysical measurement campaigns like the current GeoCogen La Broye project.
Transparent
development process
All activities follow strict safety protocols with Canton of Vaud, Bern & Fribourg approvals and technical oversights from cantonal and federal energy office experts throughout the measurement campaign, ensuring stakeholder dialogue and transparency in support of Switzerland's energy strategy.
Deep geothermal energy: clean and sustainable
Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source that does not depend on seasonal variations, weather conditions or the day-night cycle. It is entirely in line with the energy strategies of the Confederation and the canton of Vaud.
Geothermal energy has a small environmental print throughout its value chain, and a geothermal power plant footprint is negligible since the energy valorisation occurs underground.
Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) captures lithium from brines
Swiss Geo Energy integrates Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) with geothermal energy production to maximise resource utilisation while reducing environmental impact. This selective extraction process recovers lithium from geothermal brines for battery technologies. At the GeoCogen La Broye project, geological formations similar to other lithium-bearing areas in Switzerland suggest promising potential for dual energy and mineral extraction.
Learn about how DLE works
Discover Switzerland's geothermal opportunity
Partner with Swiss Geo Energy's systematic clean energy development, where established subsurface expertise creates innovative geothermal solutions. Our comprehensive portfolio scales through three strategic phases—proof of concept, expansion, diversification—delivering consistent returns while driving Switzerland's Energy Transition forward.
