Investigations on geothermal heat expansion near Basel, Switzerland

Wärmeverbund Riehen AG (WVR AG, heat cooperation Riehen) wants to expand its successful geothermal heating plant in Riehen with the “geo2riehen” project. The aim is to use more heat from the subsoil for climate protection. In addition, IWB (Industrielle Werke Basel) wants to take the opportunity to get to know the underground more extensively. In order to inform the population about the investigations, WVR AG and IWB invited to a series of stakeholder meetings January 12-17, 2022.

This month, investigations of the subsoil started beneath Riehen, Bettingen, large parts of Basel, the neighboring Basel area municipalities of Birsfelden, Münchenstein and Muttenz, as well as parts of the municipality of Grenzach-Wyhlen. WVR AG and IWB work closely with experienced specialists from Germany and abroad.

During the approximately three-week investigation, sound waves are conducted into the subsoil. For this purpose, four measuring vehicles will be circulating from around the beginning of February 2022, stopping every 20 meters and triggering slight vibrations. For the residents, the suggestions in the property can be felt for around a minute. The measurement vehicle drives through a street only once during the measurement campaign. Before that, from mid-January 2022, experts will lay out small measuring devices (geophones) on the ground,

High level of public acceptance with the measurements

Since November 2021, the owners in the study area have been asked for support, among other things, to lay out the geophones. The individual cover letters explained the exact procedure and asked for approval. A lot of positive feedback has already been received, for which WVR AG and IWB would like to say a big thank you. The answers show the interest and approval of the population for the project. Questions are still very welcome. A short film on the project website clearly shows the details of the measurement.

Public information events and visiting days

WVR AG and IWB deliberately rely on transparent information and dialogue with the population. Information and dialogue events will take place between 12 and 27 January 2022 in Riehen and at various locations in the greater Basel area. The project is explained there and the concerns of the entire population are addressed. The events are moderated by the independent Risk Dialogue Foundation. According to the current planning and the requirements of the federal government, the events will take place under the 2G regulation, including masks. Short-term changes due to the pandemic will be published on the websites.