| Title | Swiss Geothermal Energy Update 1990-1995 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Ladislaus Rybach and Harald L. Gorhan |
| Year | 1995 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | direct use, borehole heat exchangers, doublets, tunnel waters, financing activities abroad |
| Abstract | The early nineties mark a turning point in Swiss geothermal development. The relatively modest success deep drilling projects. albeit encouraged by a governmental risk coverage system, gave momentum to countrywide borehole heat exchanger installations. Subsequently Switzerland became world leader in the application of this small-scale heat pump-coupled System. well suited to supply heat to decentral objects. Their reliable long-term operation leads to manifold new activities which are further described (BHE groups, combined heat storage, energy piles, deep Another focus is on the utilisation warm Alpine tunnel waters and on Hot Dry Rock research. Special governmental programs for research and development promotion to support these activities are outlined. Finally, the geothermal activities abroad by Swiss-owned companies like CALPINE or project financing by Swiss banks are summarized. |