Cantons of Vaud, Fribourg and Berne grant SGE surface exploration permits for geothermal in the La Broye region
PAYERNE, November 3, 2025 – Swiss Geo Energy (SGE) announces the consolidation of the surface exploration permits for the GeoCogen La Broye project, following a series of authorisations granted by the cantons of Vaud, Fribourg, and Berne.
In March 2024, Swiss Geo Energy (SGE) announced the granting by the State of Vaud of a first surface exploration permit for the GeoCogen La Broye project, covering the Payerne–Avenches area. This initial authorisation marked the first formal step in the development of the project and was presented in a dedicated article published at that time.
As the project progressed, additional surface exploration permits were granted by cantonal authorities.
Following the initial permit delivered in March 2024 by the canton of Vaud, further surface exploration permits were obtained in 2025. In August 2025, the canton of Berne granted a surface exploration permit covering a limited area of approximately 3 to 4 km². While modest in terms of surface, this authorisation contributed to the overall consolidation of the project perimeter.
A more substantial extension was granted on 9 October 2025 by the canton of Vaud, with the delivery of a surface exploration permit covering the Henniez–Moudon area. With this decision, the total authorised surface within the canton of Vaud reached approximately 220 km².
On 28 October 2025, the canton of Fribourg granted a surface exploration permit for the GeoCogen La Broye project, adding approximately 265 km² to the authorised exploration area. This decision represents a key step in the progressive consolidation of the project perimeter.
As a result of these successive authorisations, the GeoCogen La Broye project now benefits from surface exploration permits covering a total area of approximately 494 km² across the cantons of Vaud, Fribourg and Berne.
These authorisations represent a preliminary and essential phase, aimed at improving the understanding of the subsurface through non-intrusive investigation methods, before any further project stages can be considered.
The consolidation of all expected surface exploration permits establishes a clear and robust regulatory framework for the GeoCogen La Broye project. It marks the completion of an important administrative phase and allows the project to move forward in a structured and coordinated manner, in line with Swiss regulatory requirements.
About Swiss Geo Energy
Swiss Geo Energy (SGE) is a key player in the exploration, storage, and exploitation of renewable underground resources in Switzerland and Europe. A subsidiary of Ad Terra Group, SGE aims to develop, execute, and finance innovative and decarbonised energy projects.
