Deep geothermal energy: clean and sustainable

Geothermal energy provides a continuous power source, operating regardless of seasons, weather, or time of day. Deep geothermal systems tap into heat reserves exceeding 1,500 meters below ground, where intense temperatures fuel district heating networks and generate electricity. This technology delivers cost-effective energy that competes directly with fossil fuels and other renewable sources.

Geothermal energy:
In a nutshell

The energy produced by a geothermal cogeneration plant, in the form of heat and/or electricity, is competitive1 compared to the costs of fossil fuels and other renewable energy sources.

1 IEA, The Future of Geothermal Energy, December 2024

Geothermal energy
Geothermal energy harnesses heat from within the Earth's crust through groundwater circulation in permeable rock systems, providing renewable energy for direct heating and electricity generation. The energy ranges from shallow geothermal probes with heat pumps to deep extraction systems, such as developped by Swiss Geo Energy, that power district heating networks or generate electricity when temperatures extracted from the groundwater exceed 110°C.
Origin of the geothermal heat
The Earth's internal heat comes from two main sources: residual heat from the planet's formation 4.6 billion years ago through gravitational compression and collisions, and ongoing heat production from radioactive decay of elements in the Earth's core and mantle. This heat continuously flows outward toward the surface, creating harvestable geothermal energy.
Application
Hot water from geothermal reservoirs is pumped to the surface where its heat is captured through heat exchangers, then reinjected via a second well to preserve the resource. The extracted heat powers district heating networks and, when temperatures exceed 110°C, generates electricity through turbines, providing reliable renewable energy with minimal environmental impact.
Advantages
Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source that offers continual availability, providing reliable baseload power regardless of weather conditions. This energy source boasts a low environmental impact with minimal physical footprint and virtually no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. By reducing fossil fuel dependence, geothermal energy significantly curbs carbon emissions while promoting sustainable, locally sourced energy production.

What is geothermal energy ?

Geothermal energy captures Earth's crustal heat through groundwater circulation in permeable rock systems and natural fractures. This renewable source generates heat and electricity by extracting thermal energy from underground hot water layers.

Extraction methods
by depth

Shallow systems use geothermal probes with surface heat pumps to harvest ambient ground heat. Deep systems exceeding 1,500 metres extract high-temperature water to power district heating networks and generate electricity above 110°C.

Operational
advantages

Geothermal systems provide continuous power and heat with minimal environmental impact and compact surface footprint. This continous energy operates regardless of weather conditions or seasonal variations.

Environmental benefits

Geothermal reduces fossil fuel dependence while cutting greenhouse gas emissions. This locally sourced energy strengthens regional sustainability and energy independence.

Enhanced energy stability

Geothermal systems deliver stable operating costs with long-term reliability, creating economic value while supporting regional energy independence and decarbonisation goals.

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Geothermal systems:
Open or closed loop?

Most people know geothermal energy through closed loop systems used in shallow applications, like the ground-source heat pumps found in residential heating. To understand the difference, it is helpful to know that open and closed loop systems describe how water or heat transfer fluid circulates within a geothermal system to capture and transfer heat.

Swiss Geo Energy has chosen to focus on open loop geothermal systems. Open loop geothermal systems are typically employed for deep geothermal resources with higher temperature levels, whilst closed loop systems are commonly used for shallow geothermal applications to supply geothermal heat pumps (ground-source heat pumps).

Open loop
Groundwater is directly extracted from the subsurface through a production well
Heat is extracted from this water for heating and/or electricity generation
The cooled water is reinjected into the subsurface via a separate well to prevent depletion and cooling of the resource
The water comes into direct contact with geological formations, and heat exchange occurs directly between the groundwater and the surrounding rock
Closed loop
A heat transfer fluid (water or water/glycol mixture) circulates through a network of buried pipes or vertical geothermal probes without direct contact with geological formations
Heat is transferred from the ground to the heat transfer fluid through conduction, then the fluid is pumped to the surface to supply a heating or cooling system
The cooled heat transfer fluid returns to the pipe network to restart the heat capture process
The circuit is hermetically sealed, which prevents contamination of groundwater and reduces energy losses
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Swiss Geo Energy:
Choosing hydrothermal systems

Swiss Geo Energy uses proven hydrothermal technology, targeting naturally occurring underground fractures for hot water circulation. The company extracts thermal energy from pumped hot water before reinjecting it underground, avoiding hydraulic stimulation to eliminate induced seismicity risks.

Safety track-record

Hydrothermal technology has operated successfully for decades in Paris and over 15 years around Munich without producing earthquakes or environmental concerns. This established approach demonstrates long-term reliability and safety.

Precise geological mapping

Avoiding hydraulic stimulation requires accurate subsurface geological imaging through geophysical campaigns. This detailed mapping identifies optimal drilling locations and reservoir characteristics for successful development.

Transparent stakeholder engagement

Swiss Geo Energy contributes to Switzerland's energy strategy through open dialogue with all stakeholders. This collaborative approach ensures community support and regulatory alignment throughout project development.

Rigorous safety protocols

All activities follow strict safety protocols pre-approved by Canton authorities. Technical support from cantonal and Swiss Federal Office of Energy experts guides survey processes and operational standards.

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—foundation, expansion, diversification—delivering consistent returns while driving Switzerland's Energy Transition forward.

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