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Tests to determine the viability of geothermal energy projects in Switzerland have been hit by delays in getting the necessary planning permits.
A large-scale operation in cantons Bern and Jura in northwest Switzerland was supposed to have taken place this autumn but has now been postponed to the spring of 2023.
The test involves placing some 2,500 probes in the soil to collect geological data that will be used to determine the best conditions for a geothermal energy project.
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Can deep geothermal projects help secure Swiss energy independence?
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The climate crisis and the war in Ukraine have underlined the need to develop renewable energy sources like geothermal.
Red tape has been blamed for the delay as the probes and transport needed to deliver them to both public and private land require a large number of permits.
Some probes will be located on high ground and cannot operate when they are covered in snow. Therefore, a decision was taken on Monday to suspend the whole project until the spring thaw.
The delay means the earliest results will not be available until early 2024. If the data is positive, the government will decide whether to fund initial drilling in 2026. In this case, the anticipated geothermal project could be up and running in 2028.
Geothermal energy is considered one promising alternative to fossil fuels in Switzerland, but the renewable energy source has met with some difficulties.
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Switzerland condemned for denying asylum for gay Iranian
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Switzerland violated the prohibition on inhuman treatment by considering that a gay Iranian could be returned to his country.
Gestational diabetes found to increase risk of adult-onset diabetes
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Swiss village must be evacuated by midday on Sunday
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The village of Brienz-Brinzauls in eastern Switzerland, which is threatened by a rockfall, must be evacuated by 1pm on Sunday. All residents must leave the village.
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A former judge of the Graubünden Administrative Court in eastern Switzerland has been found guilty of rape, sexual harassment and threatening a former trainee.
Costs and care time increase in Swiss retirement and nursing homes
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In 2023 the costs of retirement and nursing homes increased by 5% compared to 2022 and those of assistance and care at home by 7%. Together, they amounted to CHF15 billion.
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Almost half of the population in Switzerland shows clear to pronounced signs of smartphone addiction, according to a survey.
Swiss healthcare stakeholders want to save CHF300 million
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The main players in the Swiss healthcare sector want to save around CHF300 million ($340 million) in healthcare costs a year from 2026.
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Following the rejection of a proposed climate law last year, the Swiss government has mapped out new changes to the legislation.
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