SwissDGS is one example of the pioneering initiatives they support, which aims to harness geothermal energy as a safe, inexhaustible, and weather-independent source of energy. It sounds almost too good to be true. But that is exactly what deep geothermal energy makes possible.

Co-manager Jon Mengiardi explains exactly what this involves in the short interview below that was made by Migros Pioneerfonds.

Why does deep geothermal energy play such an important role in the energy transition?

Deep geothermal energy allows us to tap into an inexhaustible source of energy at the local level. It is available everywhere, regardless of the weather, 24/7, and, like hydropower, is extremely environmentally friendly. With so many positive characteristics, we cannot afford not to use it.

How expensive is deep geothermal energy compared to other renewable energies?

Production costs are currently still relatively high due to the high drilling costs. However, the development of drilling technologies from the oil and gas industry is progressing rapidly. It can therefore be assumed that deep geothermal energy will be one of the cheapest energy sources in 15 to 20 years. Our closed-loop system forms a closed-circuit underground through which water flows, like reverse underfloor heating. It does not require fracking, which carries seismic risks, and there is no exchange of fluids with the rock.

How does your closed-loop system work, and why is it safer?

Unlike previous geothermal approaches that rely on rare natural groundwater sources or create artificial reservoirs using fracking, our system works independently of groundwater and without interfering with the rock, making it usable almost anywhere and significantly less risky.

How do you convince the public and partners of the technology?

Advances in drilling technology now make closed-loop systems technically feasible for the first time. With the first project in Switzerland, our “Icebreaker,” we want to show how reliably it works. Deep geothermal energy is risk-free, environmentally friendly, invisible, and thus a key to security of supply.

What do you think the future of energy in Switzerland looks like?

Sooner or later, Switzerland will have a sustainable and secure energy supply. To achieve this, however, we will need all available renewable energy sources.

We are convinced that deep geothermal energy, with its constantly available energy, will play a very important role in the future. The crucial question is not whether, but how long we will need for the energy transition: 25, 30, or even 50 years?

See the original article in german here: MPF_5-Fragen-SwissDGS