The first well for the Haute-Sorne geothermal power project in Jura, Switzerland, has successfully reached its target depth of 4,000 meters, marking a significant milestone in the project’s development. The drilling, which began less than three months ago, was completed without any seismic events, a crucial achievement given the concerns surrounding the project.
Project Overview and Next Steps
The Haute-Sorne geothermal project, located in the Jura Arc between Geneva and Basel, is the first in the region to fully penetrate the sediments and reach the crystalline basement. The drilling rig is currently being demobilized, and the collected data from the drilling operations are now under analysis. These findings will guide the next phase of the project, which includes various tests on the borehole scheduled to begin in early 2025. The results of these tests, expected to take nearly a year, will determine the feasibility of continuing the project.
Geothermal Project Challenges and Community Engagement
The project has faced significant local opposition and negative public perception. In response, Geo-Energie Jura, the company leading the project, implemented several measures to address public concerns. This includes deploying a predictive seismic monitoring system and establishing an oversight committee appointed by the Swiss federal government. The successful completion of the drilling without geological incidents or seismic disturbances is a positive step toward building community trust.
Geo-Energie Jura and Stakeholder Involvement
Geo-Energie Jura is a public limited company with shareholders including Geo-Energie Suisse, EBL (Genossenschaft Elektra Baselland), EWB (Energie Wasser Bern), and EWZ (Elektrizitätswerk der Stadt Zürich), is leading the project. The successful drilling of the first well is a testament to the company's commitment to advancing geothermal energy in the region while maintaining safety and environmental standards.
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