Brief description
Experts and decision makers hope that deep geothermal power can play an important role in implementing the energy transition in Switzerland. Although not much is known concerning the exploitation technology, this form of renewable energy benefits from high acceptance among politicians. But estimations about the share of heat and power of geothermal power in the future are still difficult.
This study will work out an overview of the future perspectives (chances and risks) of deep geothermal power as an energy source. The research will focus on exploitation techniques, like hydrothermal or „enhanced geothermal systems”, as well as drilling. The research team will assess the public opinion and acceptance of this technology.
This study provides recommendations, specifically tailored to the Swiss situation, which target decision makers in parliament, industry, and public authorities.
Download study (with costs)
DIALOGIK contribution
DIALOGIK is responsible for the part “Deep thermal energy in Switzerland, public opinion and acceptance”. The energy transition is widely and controversially discussed in the public, but all in all renewables and their contribution to reduce emissions benefit from a high social acceptance in many industrialized countries. But how is it with geothermal power, drilling processes in depth of up to 4,000 meters, and the share of production of heat and power in the future energy mix? What are the risks and benefits people perceive when they hear and discuss geothermal energy?
In order to get a broad picture of opinions of citizens about deep geothermal energy, the researchers at DIALOGIK conduct five focus groups in regions across Switzerland, one in the French speaking part of Switzerland. In total, about 60 citizens from various groups join in these three-hour sessions of in-depth exchange.
Project partners
- Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, Villigen, Switzerland (project coordinator)
- Swiss Seismological Service SED, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, ETH Zurich, Switzerland