In search of data beneath the ground
What lies beneath the ground is still largely unknown – but it does provide a significant heat source. The Swiss Federal Office of Energy is supporting projects aimed at increasing the use of geothermal energy. At the same time, this is yielding geodata that is of great value for swisstopo.
The underground is a significant source of heat. Beneath the surface, the temperature increases by around 30°C with every kilometre. At a depth of four kilometres, the thermometer rises to around 130°C. This heat is a valuable resource in that it can be used as a renewable energy source. Geothermal energy is thus firmly in line with the federal government’s strategy, which stipulates that Switzerland’s energy supply must be climate-neutral by 2050. However, the exploitation of corresponding sources poses a variety of challenges for specialists because what lies underground in Switzerland has only been studied to a limited extent to date. The utilisation of the underground is associated with a broad variety of risks.
In order to obtain data, geophysical studies and drilling operations are required. But as Christian Minnig, who is a renewable energy specialist at the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE), points out, “These are complex and costly, and there is still no guarantee of success.” In order to reduce risks, the SFOE is financially supporting exploration operations within the framework of geothermal energy projects.
Expanding knowledge
Applications for financial support are closely examined by a team of experts comprising specialists from universities, cantonal and federal authorities, as well as independent professionals from the Swiss market and the industry sector. In addition, Robin Allenbach, who is the expert at swisstopo responsible for geothermal energy, inspects the associated dossiers in order to assess whether the project plan cited in each application is likely to yield the desired results. The Federal Office of Topography plays an additional significant role: swisstopo systematically records the data obtained within the framework of subsidised exploration projects. “We can use the data in a variety of ways in order to expand our knowledge of the underground,” explains Robin Allenbach.
Identifying risks
The newly acquired know-how is important not only for follow-up geothermal energy projects, but also for the more widespread utilisation of the underground. The more information that can be obtained about the space beneath the surface, the better the chances of identifying the associated risks and opportunities.
Data as a resource
The data obtained from drilling operations is transmitted to swisstopo in a standardised format. “It provides us with information about geological layers,” explains Robin Allenbach. swisstopo uses the data to develop digital temperature models, for example, in order to depict structures beneath the ground. Furthermore, swisstopo makes the datasets that are obtained from subsidised geothermal exploration projects publicly available after a certain period of time. These datasets are then used by public and private institutions, public authorities and scientific organisations.
With regard to the defined energy strategy, the obtained data is also an important resource: “The digital transformation process is a prerequisite for achieving Switzerland’s declared energy and climate objectives,” says Christian Minnig.
Digitalisation action plan
On behalf of the Federal Council, swisstopo is coordinating measures aimed at digitalising the geology beneath the ground in Switzerland. The objective of this action plan is to provide comprehensive digital and standardised geological data. To accomplish this, the federal government, the cantons, the business sector and universities are working closely together. The action plan is scheduled to be concluded by 2029 and will facilitate the optimal planning and utilisation of what lies underground.
Further information
Federal Office of Topography swisstopo
Seftigenstrasse 264
3084 Wabern