GeoCogen Eclépens

About the project
GeoCogen Eclépens

The project’s objective is to exploit the renewable heat from regional underground geological structures via a geothermal power plant. The plant will harvest the natural subsurface heat to feed the Cadcime district heating network and generate local green electricity.

This project aligns with the Confederation’s and canton’s energy strategies. It also aims to demonstrate the capacity of geothermal energy to contribute to the energy transition and to provide local energy to regional inhabitants.

Analysis of geophysical
geophysical data

From 20 September to 6 October 2023, Swiss Geo Energy conducted a geophysical prospecting campaign.

Our team analyses the data collected during this campaign to generate a detailed map of the geological structures below the surface. This analysis will take around nine months and will comprise two stages. In the first stage, we will process the data to obtain a clear image of the subsurface to a depth of 4,000 metres. In the second stage, we will interpret the image to identify the different geological layers accurately and thus determine where potential geothermal reservoirs lie.

Based on this interpretation, SGE will be in a position by the end of 2024 to decide whether to launch the next phase, i.e. an application for an underground research permit allowing exploratory drilling.

Geothermal energy: clean and inexhaustible

Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source that does not depend on seasonal variations, weather conditions or the day-night cycle. It is entirely in line with the energy strategies of the Confederation and the canton of Vaud.

Geothermal energy has a small environmental print throughout its value chain, and a geothermal power plant footprint is negligible since the energy valorisation occurs underground.

GeoCogen Eclépens project: 4 steps

Mapping geological structures

To obtain an accurate map of the region’s subsurface

Drilling an exploration well

Verify the geothermal reservoirs’ flow rate and heat content match the operational needs.

Second well and construction of the power plant

Drilling of the second well and construction of the geothermal power plant

Operation

Thermal supply to the Cadcime district heating network and production of renewable and local electricity