Central Switzerland - Upcoming New Geothermal Survey

Photo by Lin Mei

Project Timeline

Seismic measurements will begin in early to mid-January 2025. The instruments, provided by Geo-Energie Suisse, will be deployed across a variety of sites in the Lucerne, Aargau, Zug, Schwyz, and Ob- and Nidwalden regions. The measurements are expected to take approximately four weeks to complete.

Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel

INVERT, in collaboration with Geo-Energie Suisse and CKW, is thrilled to announce the upcoming deployment of SmartSolo Scientific sensors in Central Switzerland, for a groundbreaking non-invasive seismic campaign. This survey will help unlock new insights into the local geology and enhance the understanding of potential geothermal reservoirs.

What Is This Survey About?

The seismic campaign will involve collecting data through passive seismic measurements in six different cantons. Over the next few months, this data will be processed to create a 3D S-wave velocity tomography, which will help to assess the sub-surface structures and aid in evaluating the potential for geothermal energy development in the area.

Why Passive Seismic?

This seismic campaign uses the NANT (Nodal Ambient Noise Tomography) method, which harvests natural seismic waves that already exist in the environment. Unlike traditional seismic surveys that rely on active sources or vibrotrucks, NANT is non-invasive and does not require any mechanical sources to generate seismic waves. This makes the method particularly low impact and environmentally friendly, allowing it to be deployed in diverse environments—from densely urbanized areas to the pristine Alpine landscapes of Switzerland.

The Goal: Geothermal Energy

CKW is exploring the feasibility of establishing a geothermal power plant near Lucerne to generate renewable electricity and heat. This seismic survey is an essential step in evaluating the underlying geology and assessing the project's potential success. The data collected during this campaign will be crucial for CKW to refine its understanding of the subsurface characteristics and make informed decisions about future geothermal development.

INVERT’s Role

INVERT has been engaged by CKW to conduct seismic measurements and process the data. Our team is committed to delivering high-quality seismic data and providing top-tier 3D tomography that will contribute to the successful assessment of the geothermal potential in the region.

Stay tuned for updates on the progress of the survey, and feel free to reach out with any questions regarding the project. We’re excited to contribute to the sustainable energy future of Switzerland!