SGE completes soil-gas measurement campaign for the Jorat project
Swiss Geo Energy (SGE) has completed a soil-gas measurement campaign as part of the Jorat natural hydrogen exploration project in Switzerland. Conducted during the last week of September 2026, this new phase of fieldwork represents a further step towards improving the understanding of the area's subsurface geology and assessing its natural hydrogen, helium and geothermal potential.
The campaign focused on measuring hydrogen, helium and other gases at selected locations across the exploration permit area. These measurements are intended to provide valuable information on the distribution of gases in the subsurface, particularly their potential migration along geological faults and possible accumulation zones. The same data help to understand which faults are open or sealed and how deep structures connect to the surface, both of which are key to identifying potential pathways for hot geothermal fluids.
The field operations were carried out in collaboration with 45-8 Energy and Lavoisier H₂ Geoconsult, bringing together specialised expertise in natural hydrogen exploration and geochemical investigations. Swiss Geo Energy maintained a presence in the field throughout the campaign, supporting the coordination and monitoring of activities.
The data collected will contribute to ongoing geological assessments and help refine the understanding of the subsurface structures and processes that may influence natural hydrogen migration and accumulation.
"Soil-gas measurements give us a direct window into the deep subsurface. By tracking how hydrogen and helium migrate along faults, we also understand which structures are open and connected at depth, which is equally important for geothermal. This integrated view will guide the next stages of exploration at Jorat."
DR. PAROMITA DEB | PROJECT MANAGER, SWISS GEO ENERGY
Next steps in the exploration programme
Following this field campaign, Swiss Geo Energy will continue its technical assessments to determine the most appropriate next steps for the Jorat project. A magnetotelluric (MT) survey is planned in spring 2027. This non-invasive geophysical method uses naturally occurring electromagnetic fields to investigate the electrical properties of the deep subsurface, providing additional information on geological structures and potentially helping to identify the source of natural hydrogen.
The acquired data would subsequently undergo processing and geological modelling to support a more comprehensive understanding of the area's subsurface characteristics.
Through this progressive, data-driven exploration approach, Swiss Geo Energy aims to reduce geological uncertainties and advance the assessment of natural hydrogen potential in the Jorat region.
