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Large pointless hole

Tuesday, 27 September 2022 06:30

Geothermal power plant (file image) Pixabay

A hole three kilometres deep which cost CHF 40m is being described as a technical feat – but it was ultimately pointless.

Over the last few months, a team of engineers have been boring a hole into the rock near Lavey-les-Bains in canton Vaud. The hope was to strike hot water which would be enough to generate electricity and heat around 900 homes and supply hot water to the nearby thermal pools.

But the reality is disappointing, the water isn’t hot enough. 

The aim was to find water at least at 110c – but it’s lower than that. 

The drilling rig will now be moved to another location in Vinzel – also in Vaud. 

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