Subglacial channel as a natural storage: Zurich Airport Ltd. continues pioneering project
| Company | Zurich Airport |
|---|---|
| Date | 10.04.2025 |
Zurich Airport Ltd. plans to utilise a subglacial channel beneath the airport as a thermal energy storage system. Initial test drilling has yielded positive results, leading to the construction of a second test well.
Over the past two years, a multi-phase exploration of the channel — a water- and gravel-bearing glacial formation located approximately 300 meters below the airport— has been underway. Initially, seismic surveys were conducted to map the channel’s depth, shape, and stratigraphy. Subsequent exploratory drilling at three locations confirmed the channel’s potential as a thermal energy storage site. To further validate this potential, a test well was established last autumn, which also provided encouraging results.
“The volumes of water we were able to pump, as well as the flow rates, give us continued confidence that the channel can serve as a thermal energy storage system. We can assume at this stage that it is a confined aquifer with minimal natural flow. Further tests are now needed to determine the extent to which this storage can be utilised.”
Second well in planning
Clarifications are currently underway to determine a suitable location for a second well. According to current planning, Zurich Airport Ltd. expects construction of the second test well to take place within the next six months. Subsequently, the two wells will be connected, and circulation tests will be carried out. The results of these tests will ultimately allow for concrete conclusions to be drawn about the actual potential of the channel.
“With this next step, we are assessing the efficiency of such a storage system and, if the results are positive, will ultimately be able to plan the concrete expansion.”
If successful, the channel – depending on its yield, potentially combined with geothermal probe fields – will cover the majority of the heating and cooling needs for the airport’s main complex. Zurich Airport Ltd. estimates the investment costs for exploring the channel and constructing the wells at around 8 million Swiss francs, depending on the number and locations of the wells. Through the gradual transition to renewable energy, reducing energy consumption in buildings, and expanding electricity production via photovoltaic systems, the company’s greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced to net zero by 2040.
Significant research findings
This pioneering project provides valuable insights into the structure and development of such deep channels. The findings will be made available to the scientific community, thus contributing to the development of innovative energy storage technologies for the utilisation of renewable energies. The project is funded by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE).
Contact
Postfach 8058 Zürich-Flughafen
Switzerland
- +41 43 816 22 11
