Geothermal Forum to increase decarbonisation and independence of Switzerland’s energy mix
Panel discussion during 2021 Forum (photo: Roland J. Keller via Connect4geothermal)
Alexander Richter
12 Sep 2022
How geothermal can be a fundamental part in decarbonising the energy market of Switzerland is key theme at the upcoming Geothermal Forum in Bern/ Switzerland, September 28-29, 2022.
The Geothermal Forum, September 28-29, 2022 in Bern/ Switzerland is the place to be to contribute decarbonising the Swiss energy mix and increase Switzerland’s energetic independency by unlocking the energy potential slumbering under our feet. Examples and experiences will be explained in plenary and parallel sessions, and stakeholders in the Swiss energy system will discuss cooperation in panel discussions. An exhibition area, networking breaks and targeted 1-to-1 meetings will provide room for personal exchange. On 28.09.2022, a geothermal plant can be visited in the afternoon and in the evening, networking can take place over dinner. Register now and complete your profile to find partners to develop the Swiss geothermal market: www.connect4geothermal.ch
Geothermal energy: local baseload energy
Geothermal energy is a natural baseload energy that can contribute significantly to the energy transition: Provision of heating and cooling, seasonal energy storage, production of electricity. As a CO2-neutral and locally available energy source, it has a double advantage: good for the climate and good for energy independence. Furthermore, the potential of geothermal energy is far from exhausted. There is a slumbering giant under our feet that needs to be awakened.
Providing visibility to geothermal energy, connecting the energy transition actors
One goal of the forum is to make geothermal energy with its various systems and forms of application more visible and to better integrate this natural and renewable source of energy into the Swiss energy mix. Another aim of the forum is to connect representatives from the authorities, industry and universities at the interfaces between the subsectors in order to accelerate joint action by all actors. These include experts from geology, the energy sector, engineers, spatial planning, the supply chain for geothermal systems, the real estate and site development sector, industry and agro-food businesses, investors. To this end, Geothermie-Suisse enters into partnerships with complementary organisations: aeesuisse, Swisspower, the Swiss Association for Gas, Heat and Water SVGW, the Swiss Association for district heating VFS, the Swiss Association of professionals for heat pumps, Cities of energy.
Multiple added value to accelerate the geothermal development in Switzerland
On 29.09.2022, realised examples and experiences gained on how geothermal energy can contribute to decarbonisation and Switzerland’s domestic energy supply will be presented and shared in plenary and parallel sessions. In panel discussions experts will debate on the framework conditions and the interaction between the different actors in the energy system to accelerate the integration of geothermal for the energy transition. An exhibition area, networking breaks and targeted 1-to-1 meetings will provide space for personal discussions and connections for the development of the geothermal sector in Switzerland. On the previous day, 28.09.2022, a geothermal plant that supplies an entire neighbourhood with energy can be visited in the afternoon. In the evening, a networking dinner will provide space for informal discussions. Hotel rooms have been pre-booked for the night of Sept. 28-29th and can be booked via the forum internet site.
Personal profiles for targeted online and onsite networking
Participation is possible on site as well as online. There will be a simultaneous translation in English, German and French. Registration on the platform www.connect4geothermal.ch will open on August 15th. Participants can create a personal profile and indicate in which field they are active and which services they offer and are looking for. As sooner participants register, as more visibility their profile will get. In the run-up to the Forum, all participants can go through these profiles and request people for personal 1-to-1 meetings on September 29th. They will receive their personal schedule before the Forum. This very efficient and effective networking opportunity was actively used at last year’s Geothermal Forum. Almost 300 participants from 11 countries attended the Forum, 186 of whom participated in 244 1-to-1 meetings. The summary of last year’s Forum, with links to the presentations and video recordings, can be found in the document “Heat from the earth to tackle global warming“.
Position your company in the upswing geothermal market, become partner of the forum
Geothermal is on the upswing with strong momentum. At the Geothermal Forum, the actors in the energy transition are developing the Swiss market. It is a unique opportunity to position companies and organisations in a sector with great potential. Several possibilities exist therefore: Take advantage, become partner.
