Geothermal exploration drilling to start in Magglingen, Switzerland by 2027
The National Sports Centre in Magglingen, Switzerland (source: Federal Office of Sport)
Carlo Cariaga
9 Apr 2025
Exploration drilling for geothermal energy in Magglingen in Switzerland is expected to start by the end of 2027 following the results of a seismic survey.
Exploratory drilling for the Magglingen geothermal project in Switzerland is planned to start by the end of 2027. The goal for the well would be provide information to evaluate whether the deep water be used for a geothermal plant at the Federal Office of Sport’s (FOSP) National Sports Center in Magglingen.
If exploration drilling is successful, the well can likely begin supplying heat to the Magglingen National Sports Center of the Federal Office of Sport (FOSP) by 2029.
In 2023, the Federal Office for Climate Protection (BBL) conducted an underground survey in the region around Magglingen. The aim of the extensive investigations was to obtain the most precise possible geological map of Magglingen’s subsurface and to gain insights into potential warm deep water sources for geothermal heat generation. The analysis of the collected data suggests several potential deep water reservoirs.
From this initial image of the subsurface, the course and location of geological layers and faults can be derived. Due to the complex subsurface beneath Magglingen, an area of uncertainty remains in the interpretation of this data and the resulting model. Further measures and investigations are intended to further reduce the uncertainty and the associated risk of failure in any drilling operation.
Exploratory drilling is necessary for many geothermal projects because the exact location of the deep water is uncertain and key parameters such as water temperature, water volume, and flow rate are unknown. These factors are crucial for the economic use of the deep water. The planned exploratory drilling at a depth of approximately 1,500 to 2,300 meters will reduce existing uncertainties and project risks. At the same time, it will provide important insights into the subsurface.
Funding sought from the Federal Parliament
The implementation of the exploratory drilling and the drilling for deep water utilization requires funding approval from the Federal Parliament. The Federal Office for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FOBL) will compile the costs of the drilling by the end of 2025 and will likely present them to Parliament as part of the 2026 Real Estate Dispatch. In addition to funding approval from Parliament, drilling permits from the cantonal authorities are also required for the drilling for deep water utilization.
These investigations are part of many other measures being taken by the Federal Office of Public Safety (BBL) to reduce environmental impacts at the Federal Office of Public Safety (FOSP) site. For example, a district heating network for most of the FOSPO buildings in Magglingen was completed last year, powered by wood pellets from a temporary energy center. In addition, the appropriate infrastructure at the Magglingen National Sports Center is being continuously equipped with photovoltaic systems.
Source: The Federal Council of the Swiss Government
