How can the potential of geothermal energy in the French-Swiss border region be used more effectively? This is precisely where the Interreg project SUFRAGE comes in. GEOTEST is participating as the Swiss partner, contributing its experience and expertise to the cross-border collaboration.

Switzerland and France have different, complementary expertise in geothermal energy: Switzerland has extensive experience with borehole heat exchangers, while France has broad expertise in groundwater-based and deep geothermal energy. SUFRAGE brings these areas of expertise together and lays the foundation for an intensive exchange of knowledge, methods and experience.

The members of SUFRAGE meet to share their experience in the field of geothermal energy.

The members of SUFRAGE meet to share their experience in the field of geothermal energy.

For GEOTEST, the collaboration provides an opportunity to learn about new approaches and incorporate the resulting insights directly into our projects and the further development of our services. At the same time, SUFRAGE strengthens cross-border networking and facilitates access to the French market – including through the acquisition of a French certification for the design of borehole heat exchangers.

From subsurface models to digital system monitoring

The project runs from June 2026 to the end of 2028 and brings together six specialist organisations from France and Switzerland. Among other things, the partners are working to better assess the geothermal potential of the subsurface, examine regulatory and economic barriers, and raise awareness among professionals, municipalities and clients of the opportunities offered by geothermal energy.

Six leading partners from France and Switzerland are pooling their expertise to advance geothermal energy across borders.

Six leading partners from France and Switzerland are pooling their expertise to advance geothermal energy across borders.

Planned activities include new mapping and subsurface models, a comparison of the framework conditions in both countries, and a digital platform for monitoring shallow geothermal energy systems.
 

SUFRAGE is therefore creating more than just new knowledge. The project connects stakeholders across national borders and helps make future geothermal projects easier, more efficient and more targeted to implement.

Find out more about the project, its partners and the planned work in our reference on the Interreg project SUFRAGE.

References

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