Deep geothermal energy in the Jura takes a crucial step – RTS.CH

One to two weeks of the well observation and some additional measures before dismantling all of the facilities. At the end of the month, the 4000 -meter well will be closed for an even indeterminate duration, but it will remain under surveillance. Seismographers will be placed in the tube.

According to the engineer Peter Meier, the stimulation of the rock went well. “We did not know if it was completely waterproof and we saw that no. There are open cracks,” he said Sunday in the 12:30 p.m.

>> On the first stage of tests, read: Start of stimulation tests for the deep geothermal project in Upper-Sorne

“Decision base”

The new phase that opens provides for the analysis of the results, of all the data acquired in recent days and all that has been measured during the various geophysical exploration campaigns. The objective is to update models and risk studies.

“It will be the decision-making to find out if the project can continue according to the plans, must be adapted or cannot continue,” explains Olivier Zingg, director of Geo-Energie Jura. “If the project continues, we will start by making a second drilling (…). If it were to be abandoned, we would rebuild the well and put the site in condition.”

A project on the right track

The decision could be made as soon as possible by the end of the year. For the moment, the calendar is respected as is the budget. The amount of what has already been spent should reach nearly 50 million francs at the end of the year.

For the time being, the promoters declare themselves confident. According to them, there is no element that would demonstrate that the project cannot be prosecuted as planned.

In the morning of Monday, Olivier Zingg said he was “very satisfied with the way things happened. We have been able to achieve each step as planned (…) At present, no element shows that it is not possible to continue.”

Gaël Klein/Juma