Geothermal Energy in Switzerland: roadmap to 2050

For decades, geothermal energy was harnessed from magmatic systems only. This is no longer the case since projects began to exploit the energetic potential of a variety of geological domains across different tectonic settings. Vertical ground heat exchangers, groundwater aquifers and enhanced geothermal systems are only a few of a large spectrum of solutions proposed to harvest geothermal energy practically anywhere.
Despite lacking high-enthalpy geothermal resources, Switzerland is today one of the leading countries for research and development in the geothermal sector. New projects have been launched, underground laboratories have been developed and a wealth of research opportunities are rising. The new challenges to be faced are supported by solid research schemes fostering interaction between research and industrial partners. I will provide a brief overview of Switzerland’s geothermal roadmap to 2050 describing how the Helvetic confederation is planning to attend about 2 TWh of energy (and about 18 TWh if heat is also considered) by 2050. I will highlight the collaborative research opportunities and the future challenges that our community will have to undertake to foster geothermal energy as a solid and reliable resource to fuel our society across the energetic transition.