Using Switzerland's deep geological subsurface for CO2 sequestration and sustainable energy

Within the context of global atmospheric warming and the consequent energy transition, Switzerland's deep geological subsurface offers numerous opportunities to help reach net-zero carbon emissions and a sustainable energy supply by 2050.

This talk, aimed at a multidisciplinary audience, will provide an overview of the pros and cons of these opportunities and their current state of implementation within Switzerland, including approaches such as permanent storage of industrial CO₂ emissions, seasonal storage of hydrogen and industrial excess heat, seasonal storage of solar energy via geomethanation, and exploitation of deep geothermal energy. Pointers will be given to students and early career geoscientists as to how they can contribute to this evolving field.

The talk will also set the scene for further specialised lectures on these topics scheduled within the fall 2024 CLIMACT seminar series.