The GeoCogen La Broye project aims to produce electricity and heat to power district heating networks in the Payerne, Avenches, and Fribourg regions.

If the geothermal potential is confirmed, Swiss Geo Energy could develop one or more hydrothermal geothermal power plants based on the underground waters circulating in naturally fractured deep reservoirs.

The project aims to contribute to reducing Switzerland’s energy dependence on fossil fuels by developing efficient geothermal installations and accessing vital resources for the energy transition, such as white hydrogen (naturally produced at depth) and lithium.

Geothermal energy captures heat from the Earth's crust through deep aquifer systems. Hot fluids extracted via one well pass through heat exchangers before reinjection through a second well, creating a sustainable cycle. This process supplies renewable energy to district heating networks, agricultural greenhouses, and electricity generation when temperatures allow.

Heat exchangers separate geothermal fluids from heating circuits whilst preserving the underground resource. These mineral-rich fluids may yield valuable byproducts: lithium, if present, can be extracted through geochemical processes for battery production. White or native hydrogen, if detected, offers potential as an emerging energy carrier.

Hydrogen formation and capture methods remain under research. Scientists recently discovered this resource occurs in exploitable quantities underground. Should we identify hydrogen deposits, we will partner with specialists and the Federal Energy Office to establish pilot projects and demonstrations.

Geothermal energy provides constant power regardless of weather conditions, minimal environmental impact, and small surface requirements.

Learn more on our dedicated geothermal energy and Direct Lithium Extraction pages.

The geophysical campaign aims to obtain the necessary data to establish a three-dimensional map of the geological structures of the subsurface.

Moreover, a three-dimensional image of the subsurface will significantly increase the chances of finding an exploitable geothermal reservoir and other resources such as lithium and hydrogen.

Historical seismic profiles and the Courtion-1 drilling (1961) reveal promising geothermal potential in the Broye region. The area features a thinner sedimentary basin than surrounding regions due to shallow continental crust at approximately 2,500 metres depth, composed primarily of granite where most geothermal heat generates under our latitudes.

This geological configuration, combined with numerous faults connecting the granitic basement to overlying sedimentary rocks, creates favourable conditions for geothermal fluid and lithium exploitation in the lower basin sections contacting the basement.

Limited subsurface knowledge necessitates comprehensive exploration. Swiss Geo Energy will conduct a 3D seismic reflection campaign across approximately 500 km² to map sedimentary unit positions down to the basement and characterise fault systems traversing the region.

This campaign will reveal how this subsurface formed across northern Vaud and western Fribourg cantons, verifying whether geological characteristics match requirements for renewable regional resource exploitation.

Following the same operational mode as in the Eclépens region, the seismic measurement campaign is scheduled between autumn 2025 and spring 2026.

If Swiss Geo Energy estimates that the region presents exploitable concentrations of lithium and/or hydrogen, the extraction methods would be cutting-edge for lithium, similar to what is done in the Rhine basin, in compliance with the strictest environmental provisions.

Suppose hydrogen is present, which is less likely in the region, given the pilot nature that such exploitation would imply. In that case, we will launch a pilot project with the support of the SFOE, in collaboration with the best experts in the field and based on close dialogue with the cantonal authorities.

As for lithium, the company plans to use Direct Lithium Extraction technology (DLE), an advanced method that allows lithium to be extracted from brines. This method is undoubtedly better for the environment than mining or recovering brines from South American salt lakes. It would be a byproduct of heat exploitation downstream of it, done using specific resins or membranes to separate lithium. The rest of the fluid would be reinjected into the subsurface, preserving the resource and ensuring its regeneration.

Regarding hydrogen, if specific measures detect its continuous flow from the subsurface to a future wellhead, Swiss Geo Energy will launch a pilot project with the best experts in the field. This project would then be conducted in strict compliance with Swiss and European standards.

If you have questions about the GeoCogen La Broye project, you can contact us by email at info@swissgeoenergy.com.