Photo Credits: Sebastian Eppler/myclimate
Thanks to the myclimate support programme, CO₂ certificates can be generated through the use of renewable energy and subsequently sold. These revenues help to cushion the higher energy costs and enable further investment in the long-term development of the plant. Moritz Bandhauer, Project Manager at myclimate, visited the project and spoke to Hansjörg and Stefan Grob about the experiences, challenges and future of geothermal energy in Switzerland:
myclimate: Mr Grob, could you briefly explain to us how your energy system works and what geothermal energy is all about?
Stefan Grob: We rely on a diverse energy mix: geothermal energy with a heat pump, process waste heat from cooling systems and a data server are our main sources. We currently also still use natural gas and heating oil for peak loads, but we will replace that with biogas in the future. This means that we already cover around 90 % of our energy requirements with renewable or innovative sources.
The water, which we tap into from a depth of 1100 metres, reaches around 60 °C and provides a reliable heat source. This interaction requires a great deal of coordination and expertise – but as a family business, we are proud to successfully implement a pioneering energy concept.
What specific benefits has geothermal energy brought to your operation?
Our operations are now almost carbon-free. Even though the development of deep geothermal energy requires high levels of investment, we are convinced by the long-term benefits: we can offer our customers fresh vegetables that are produced with clear added value for the climate and the environment. This commitment is highly appreciated by market partners and consumers – demand for our sustainably produced products is high.
With vegetables from our products, customers get more climate protection and sustainability for the same price. For us, the focus is not on financial added value, but on making a positive contribution to the climate. In doing so, we consciously assume responsibility within food production and towards future generations – fully in line with our corporate values.
In geothermal projects, the heat from deeper, water-bearing rock layers is brought to the surface via boreholes with pumps. Even at depths of over 1000 metres, the water has a temperature of around 60 °C. This energy source is renewable and particularly efficient, as heat is constantly generated inside the Earth and radiated outwards.
What challenges did the project present?
The operation of geothermal energy requires more commitment than conventional systems, but that is exactly what makes it pioneering. We have learnt to combine different energy sources intelligently and to continuously develop them further. Deep drilling in particular was uncharted territory in Switzerland – we were able to gain valuable experience here that will benefit other projects. Such pioneering achievements are only possible thanks to targeted funding, and we see it as an investment in a climate-friendly future.
How do you see the future of geothermal energy in Switzerland?
Geothermal energy has enormous potential for the energy transition. In order for it to be utilised, regular drilling, scientific support and the development of expertise in Switzerland are required. The decisive factor is that geothermal energy is not only limited to large-scale projects, but is also open to regional operations. We hope that politicians will support this path and thus create the basis for many successful projects.
What were the most important moments of success for you?
Every moment in which we see that the plant is reliably delivering heat is a success. The positive feedback from the market and the fact that we are able to generate CO2 certificates are particularly motivating. Looking back, it is a success story full of perseverance, collaboration and innovation. Today, we can say that it works, it is in demand, and it points the way to the future. We call on every operation to shoulder its responsibilities and develop its own solutions to ensure sustainable energy for the future.
