This content was published on
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.
More
More
Can deep geothermal projects help secure Swiss energy independence?
This content was published on
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.
This content was published on
Sophie Hediger, a member of the Swiss national snowboard cross team, has died in an avalanche in Arosa. She was 26 years old.
This content was published on
Several Swiss films exceeded the 100,000 admissions mark worldwide in 2024 and received widespread praise at international film festivals.
Swiss Alpine resorts covered in white gold for Christmas
This content was published on
Many areas at low altitudes in Switzerland are enjoying a blanket of snow. In the mountains, intense precipitation has delighted skiers.
SWISS makes emergency landing in Austria after smoke in cockpit
This content was published on
Swiss International Airlines (SWISS) made an emergency landing of an Airbus in Graz, Austria on Monday evening after engine problems.
L’Oréal acquires South Korean subsidiary of Migros’ cosmetics brand
This content was published on
French cosmetics firm L'Oréal is acquiring Gowoonsesang Cosmetics, the South Korean subsidiary of the Migros-owned Mibelle group, for an undisclosed sum.
Sharp hike in number of protected historic monuments in Switzerland
This content was published on
In 2022, there were close to 91,000 protected historic monuments in Switzerland, 21% more than in 2016, said the Federal Statistical Office.
Switzerland adopts further EU sanctions against Russia
This content was published on
Switzerland has added several dozen names to its list of sanctioned persons or entities from Russia after adopting the amendments made by the European Union.
This content was published on
Following the rejection of a proposed climate law last year, the Swiss government has mapped out new changes to the legislation.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.