Swiss Geothermal Energy Update 1985-1990
- Key words
- Country Update; Exploration; Switzerland; Heat Exchangers; Annual Reports
- Location
- Switzerland
- Conference
- Geothermal Resources Council Transactions
- Year
- 1990
- Session
- Geothermal overviews; Risk management; Geothermal heat pumps
- Language
- English
Abstract
Since 1985, geothermal R&D has evolved steadily in Switzerland. Regional low enthalpy exploration and resource assessment are largely complete; emphasis is now on drilling and development. Vertical earth heat exchangers (small-scale, decentralized, heat pump coupled heating facilities) increase rapidly in number; the governmental system of risk coverage for geothermal drilling, established in 1987, gives rise to several drilling projects. Of these, a single well an a doublet have been successfully completed so far. Numerical modeling of coupled thermohydraulic processes in fracture dominate Hot Dry Rock systems, including rock mechanics aspects, is in progress. Some further efforts such as contributions to general geothermic, exploration and resource assessment activities in Switzerland, and financing of geothermal development abroad by Swiss banks are described.
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