Geothermal exploitation of the Malm aquifer – Market greenhouses – Stoll production SA

Project description

Stoll Production SA's commitment to sustainable development can be principally seen through their aim to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.

For greenhouse heating, geothermal, hydrothermal, renewable and locally produced energy have all been identified as potential resources, given the favourable geological and hydrogeological conditions which can be found in the Yverdon les-Bains region, which is where three of Stoll's production sites are located.

The aquifer under review is the Malm aquifer, known for its regional extension, significant thickness and its heightened productivity in extensively fractured zones, which are associated with major geological incidents in the Jura.

At the first drilling location, the Montagny-près-Yverdon site, the geothermal target is located between 870 and 1250m below the surface. The forecasted flow rates are in the order of 20 to 50 l/s, at 45-50°C.

The drilling strategy is expected to occur in two distinct phases:

• Drilling of an inclined exploration borehole (MONTAGNY-1), to provide a full understanding of the geological build-up, in particular to ensure that there are no unexpected impacts on the Mt Chamblon karst springs, and to validate the flow rate and temperature hypotheses.
• Installation of a second exploratory borehole less than a year later, to thermally exploit the geothermal resource in a closed loop with a doublet.

Services provided

• Feasibility review of the economic, administrative and technical aspects
• Project planning and development of the technical documents
• Review and granting of the authorisation to drill under conditions (ASC)