The development and use of energy sources of the deep underground of Switzerland - Risks and opportunities

In light of current energy discussions clarification is necessary on the question of which proportion of the high potential for natural gas and geothermal energy in Switzerland can, in the future, be used. Switzerland has adequate fundamental legal principles concerning the protection of the environment and water (including groundwater and drinking water): These principles, however, cannot be directly applied to the utilisation of low-lying substrata since, for example, deep groundwater is not «water» in terms of current legislation. Deep groundwater, for example, is usually saline water which contains substances that are not compatible with the living environment. Primarily, when performing deep exploration and exploitation, it must be prevented that commodities such as earth and water are not compromised by the exploitation of deep groundwater. Deep boring requires the use of drilling fluids and additives. The use of Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking) for the extraction of shale gas is highly controversial in the general public because of the use of additives. However, with today's additives, an influence on water and the ground can be ruled out. Studies show that the safe application of Fracking is possible. Although no additives have been employed up to now for hydraulic stimulation in deep geothermie energy operations, it is probable, however, that in the future additives will also become necessary for the development and use of deep geothermal energy resources. There are great similarities between the use of shale gas or the use of «Tight Gas» and deep geothermal exploitation, but there are also important differences. Operational experience in deep geothermics is still low in comparison with the exploitation of shale gas. Every development and use of low-lying substrata represents an intrusion in the underground. Experience shows that it is possible to make use of the underground without having an influence on drinking water resources and without endangering human beings and the underground infrastructure. It is necessary to define clear rules for this sector of business without any unnecessary hindrances and to provide transparent information for the general public. However, innovative projects and objective discussions are also needed, as well as entrepreneurial farsightedness in order to investigate and benefit from local deep subsoil resources.