The research project "Geothermal potentials of alpine aquifers - pilot study Brig, Canton Valais" aims to close knowledge gaps in the hydrogeological process understanding of geothermal systems at the regional level. To this end, the methodology developed by AUG for evaluating regional groundwater circulation systems is combined with heat transport (temperature distribution and heat potentials) and applied to the Brig case study. On the one hand, an instrument will be developed for the authorities. Another objective is the development and application of monitoring and model instruments (Figure), which can be used to estimate the geothermal utilization potential of the Alpine aquifer in the Brig region. The transferability of the developed methods to other Alpine valleys will be examined in order to avoid future quantitative and thermal overuse of the groundwater systems.

Commissioned by: Canton of Valais, energieschweiz

Project duration: 2021-2024

Stefan Scheidler, Horst Dresmann, Oliver Schilling & Jannis Epting

Figure: Left: Calculated groundwater circulation and temperature distribution. Right: Sensitivity analysis for hydraulic conductivity values for borehole 10-BR02 and the Simplon tunnel.