Geophysical measurement campaign
During the entire month of November, special vehicles will travel the streets of the Gruyère district to map the subsurface and assess the presence of geothermal water. If the potential is confirmed, Géothermie Préalpes SA can consider exploiting this local, renewable, clean and safe energy source.
This geophysical campaign follows a preliminary study indicating interesting hydrothermal potential in Gruyère. The geophysical measurements enable the acquisition of data to better understand the subsurface of the region. Special vehicles will send waves into the ground; these are reflected by the various geological layers and picked up by measuring devices called geophones. The analysis of this information will make it possible to create a cartography of the subsurface.
Measurements in 18 municipalities
Data collection takes place in the municipalities of Bulle, Corbières, Hauteville, Pont-en-Ogoz, Sorens, Echarlens, Marsens, Riaz, Sâles, Vaulruz, Vuadens, Bas-Intyamon, Broc, Gruyères, Le Pâquier, Châtel-sur -Montsalvens, Crésuz and Val-de-Charmey. The measurements are mainly carried out at night to reduce the background noise during acquisition and obtain more reliable data. Vibrations can be felt near the vehicles for a few seconds, then the vehicles move a few dozen meters further to the next measuring point. The population can continuously follow the vehicles as they pass by using an interactive map, which is available at www.geothermie-prealpes.ch. At the end of the campaign, the measuring devices are collected again without leaving any traces on the ground.
In the summer of 2023, the representatives of Géothermie Préalpes SA contacted the landowners of the exploration perimeter to request the necessary rights for the installation of the geophones and the passage of the measuring vehicles. In addition, all affected communities responded positively to the request for the use of public land for the passage of the mobile convoys. The canton of Friborg has granted its approval by granting permission for above-ground searches in its decree of March 7, 2023.
Assessing the geothermal potential
Géothermie Préalpes SA hopes to confirm the presence of usable water resources at a depth of 3,000 to 4,000 meters. These natural hot water reservoirs could be used to supply Gruyère Energie's district heating (CAD). If the temperature of the geothermal water is high enough, electricity generation could also be considered.
Next steps
The evaluation of the collected data will take several months. It will form the basis for determining the next steps, which would take place between 2024 and 2027. This includes a second geophysical measurement campaign in a smaller perimeter and an exploratory drilling.
Géothermie Préalpes SA in brief
Géothermie Préalpes SA aims to research and then develop geothermal energy as a renewable energy source in the form of electrical and/or thermal use in Switzerland and especially in the canton of Friborg. The company aims to investigate, build and exploit geothermal sites by converting the resource into electrical and/or thermal energy production facilities. Its shareholders are 100% owned by Gruyère Energie SA.
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