Swiss Geo Energy Secures Exploration Permit for Integrated Hydrogen, Helium, and Geothermal Project in Switzerland
Swiss Geo Energy has secured a surface exploration permit for its Jorat project in the Canton of Vaud, marking Switzerland’s first integrated initiative targeting natural hydrogen, helium, and deep geothermal resources within a single program. The permit enables the company to carry out a non-invasive exploration campaign using passive seismic, magnetotelluric, gravity, and soil gas surveys to assess subsurface potential across the region.
The project comes at a pivotal moment as Switzerland accelerates efforts to reduce reliance on imported energy and transition toward lower-carbon, domestically sourced alternatives. By combining the exploration of strategic molecules such as hydrogen and helium with geothermal energy, Swiss Geo Energy is advancing a multi-resource approach that could support both industrial demand and long-term energy resilience.
Natural hydrogen represents an emerging low-emission energy source generated through geological processes, while helium remains a critical input for sectors including healthcare, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing, with limited domestic supply across Europe. At the same time, deep geothermal systems offer a proven source of continuous, baseload heat and power. Together, these resources form a complementary portfolio aligned with decarbonization goals and energy security priorities.
The Jorat project is expected to serve as the first phase of a broader, multi-stage program, with results informing future subsurface characterization, including potential 3D seismic surveys and drilling. If successful, the initiative could establish a new model for integrated subsurface energy development in Switzerland and contribute to a more diversified and resilient energy system.
Full press release can be found below:
Swiss Geo Energy (SGE) has been granted a surface exploration permit for its Jorat project by the Canton of Vaud. The project marks Switzerland’s first integrated initiative targeting natural hydrogen, helium, and deep geothermal resources, positioning SGE at the forefront of subsurface energy innovation.
PAYERNE, May 4, 2026 – Swiss Geo Energy has been granted a surface exploration permit by the Canton of Vaud for the Jorat project, Switzerland’s first initiative simultaneously targeting the exploration of natural hydrogen, helium, and deep geothermal resources.
The permit authorises SGE to conduct a non-invasive geophysical and geochemical exploration programme across the Jorat area in the Canton of Vaud. The measurements will include passive seismic, magnetotelluric, gravity, and soil gas surveys. This is the first permit in Switzerland to combine the exploration of critical molecules and deep geothermal resources within a single, integrated programme.
As Switzerland accelerates its transition away from fossil fuels and imported energy, the Jorat project addresses a strategic gap: the domestic exploration of energy resources that could contribute to long-term energy independence. Strategic molecules represent emerging frontiers in the energy and industrial sectors, while deep geothermal energy offers proven, continuous, lowcarbon heat and electricity generation. By pursuing all three simultaneously, SGE’s Jorat programme sets a new benchmark for integrated subsurface resource exploration in Switzerland. The multi-objective exploration strategy also minimizes surface impact and reflects SGE’s commitment to responsible, community-sensitive exploration.
NATURAL HYDROGEN
Natural hydrogen, also known as white hydrogen, is formed through geological processes deep in the subsurface. Today, more than 90% of global hydrogen production relies on burning fossil fuels, generating high CO₂ emissions that carbon capture can only partially offset. Natural hydrogen offers a fundamentally different pathway by providing a low-emission alternative that does not require energy-intensive manufacturing processes. Once brought to the surface, it can be used to generate energy, either in the form of electricity or heat with water vapor as the primary by-product, resulting in a very low lifecycle carbon footprint and making it uniquely compatible with decarbonization goals.
HELIUM
Helium is primarily recovered from natural gas reservoirs and occasionally brine systems, where it has accumulated over geological time as a product of radiogenic decay of uranium and thorium. It plays a vital role across multiple high-value sectors, including healthcare, aerospace, and electronics manufacturing. As a critical strategic molecule with limited domestic production in Europe, its exploration within Switzerland represents both an economic opportunity and a key lever to reduce import dependency.
The Jorat project is the opening phase of a broader, multi-stage research programme. Following the completion of this initial exploration phase, SGE will analyse the results to assess the resource potential in the Jorat area. Should the findings be favourable, the programme will progress to a deeper characterisation phase, including an active 3D seismic survey to obtain a high-resolution subsurface image and evaluate integrated development concepts, including drilling and cogeneration opportunities.
This permit enables the exploration of the region for critical resources, such as natural hydrogen and helium, and to quantify the potential for geothermal energy production within a single exploration framework. Decentralized production of these resources is key to reducing dependency on imports and supporting the energy transition. I am proud to lead this pioneering project, which positions Switzerland at the forefront of subsurface energy innovation, and could serve as a model for future developments nationwide. - DR. PAROMITA DEB PROJECT MANAGER, SWISS GEO ENERGY
ABOUT SWISS GEO ENERGY
Swiss Geo Energy, an Ad Terra company founded in 2019, is a key player in the exploration, storage, and development of renewable underground resources in Switzerland and Europe. The company designs geothermal projects aimed at developing, executing, and financing innovative, decarbonised energy solutions.
PRESS CONTACT
www.swissgeoenergy.com
+41 (0)22 555 7674 marie.dupas@swissgeoenergy.com
