Geoenergy systems can play a key role in achieving the targets set by Switzerland’s energy and climate strategy, as well as in shaping future energy systems, as they can provide a reliable and resilient foundation for both thermal and electrical power. Their ability to deliver consistent baseload heat and electricity, coupled with their potential as stable and scalable underground energy storage solutions makes them a key enabler for efficient energy conversion and enhanced grid stabilization in Switzerland’s renewable energy future.
The SFOE’s Geoenergy research programme promotes a holistic approach to the subsurface for energy purposes, to ensure the sustainable use of subsurface resources. It is focused on accelerating breakthroughs in subsurface energy systems by funding research that advances cutting-edge science, innovative technology, and digitalization.
Current research priorities and thematic areas
Prospection and Subsurface De-risking
Focus is on innovative methods to improve knowledge of the subsurface, with specific attention given to key aspects such as reservoir permeability and fluid flow. Such methods include advanced geophysical imaging, geochemical prospection, hydrogeological testing, reservoir modelling, as well as improved geological and hydrogeological models, and uncertainty quantification.
Subsurface Energy Potential uNLOCKING
Priority is the development of alternative methods for enhancing reservoir permeability and its monitoring (e.g. microseismicity), as well as alternative energy harvesting (e.g. AGS). This includes novel stimulation, drilling methods and predictive models to improve permeability access and management, thermal energy extraction, and overall subsurface energy application efficiency.
Flexibility and integration into energy systems
Emphasis is placed on enhancing system flexibility of subsurface energy storage technologies and their integration into smart energy systems, grids, and heating and cooling networks. This thematic area includes Underground Thermal Energy Storage (UTES), in addition to exploratory methods to investigate storage possibilities for hydrogen (UHS) and other Power-to-X derivatives.
Sustainability, risk management and affordability
Attention is on ensuring the long-term sustainability, risk management and affordability of the resource supply by focusing on sustained permeability, minimal thermal decline and water loss, environmental impact mitigation and wider system benefits of geoenergy systems. This area involves also developing strategies to improve public perception/acceptance and economic competitiveness.
For each of these themes, where appropriate, research projects should integrate smart digital technologies, such as automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML). Digitalization- and effective management of large and complex data sets are key to advancing research and enabling better modelling, analysis, and decision-making.
Project proposal and evaluation
Depending on availability, funds are allocated according to a bottom-up principle and quality-control. Applications can be submitted at any time.
Interested applicants are invited to study the extended research concept and submit an expression of interest with a project outline (max 2-3 pages) to the relevant contacts, specifying: thematic area, key topic(s) (as detailed in the Appendix of the research concept), project scope, project partners, and relevance to Switzerland.
Other relevant research programs:
Documents
Fact sheet
Support tool for a preliminary techno-economic feasibility analysis
