Geneva sets geothermal energy action plan as part of wider energy master plan
Geneva, Switzerland (source: flickr/ Dennis Jarvis, creative commons)
Alexander Richter
3 Dec 2020
As part of greater efforts on a clean energy future for the city and canton of Geneva, a general energy master plan has been set up that sets concrete short-term and medium-term goals for geothermal.
The 2020-2030 Energy Master Plan has been adopted this week by the Council of State of Geneva. Through a program of concrete actions co-constructed with all the partners and consulted by the circles concerned, the Energy Master Plan will make it possible to accelerate the energy transition of the canton.
In order to meet the challenges of the climate emergency, the Council of State adopted on December 2, 2020 </spanthe Energy Master Plan (PDE) for the period 2020-2030. This action program resolutely commits Geneva to the energy transition, with the ambition of drastically reducing energy consumption – especially of fossil origin – and enhancing the region’s renewable resources. The Canton is thus giving itself the means to offer the Geneva population a sustainable future and a better quality of life through the development of our local, sustainable and clean energies.
A program of concrete actions to accelerate the energy transition
Through its program of concrete actions, the PDE sets the course to reach society at 2000 W by 2050: the aim is to divide energy consumption by 3.5 and, at the same time, to triple the share of renewables in the cantonal energy mix. This ambitious vision is consistent with the cantonal climate objectives: to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2030 (compared to 1990) and achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
The PDE operates the objectives of the energy policy: by 2030, its priority orientations are to end fossil heating in Geneva, to renovate the building stock of the canton on a massive scale, to develop thermal networks to meet heating needs. and building cooling, and to enhance the territory’s potential in terms of renewable energies. To implement its actions, the PDE includes 28 action sheets drawn up with all the stakeholders.
For the full details see link below.
For its geothermal action plan, the city has divided it into short- and medium-term action plans.
Geothermal – short-term action plan (2 years)
- Finalize the underground prospecting phase Geneva (3D seismic campaign) and continue exploration of low and medium aquifers depth to map resources across the territory.
- Create an operational support structure for the realization of projects (counter).
- Confirm the resource use strategy geothermal energy in connection with the development networks and the results of the work exploratory.
- Intensify the deployment of low-level projects depth in the township.
- Ensure that resources are taken into account geothermal energy in territorial planning and coordination between actors. A map resource management (PGR), in progress development, will provide access to underground resources in the form of maps and geo-analysis tools.
- Support the development of skills and a local market based on on the actors of the territory.
- Carry out pilot projects to establish and adapt the framework documents and the good practices for future sustainable operation and resource efficient.
- Have a technical and economic benchmark real adapted to the Geneva context.
Geothermal – medium-term action plan (5 years)
- If the potential of the resource is confirmed, launch the deployment of the first installations at medium depth.
- Develop a model for the implementation industrial operation and distribution geothermal resources.
The induced effects of the action plan are: promotion of local renewable energies, increased energy independence, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and value creation.
Today, the city’s utility services company SIG is currently working on drilling geothermal wells for planned heating use.
Download the Geothermal Annex (pdf)
Source: City of Geneva
