ETH-led consortium has started planning work for a possible CO injection test2. By adopting the Climate and Innovation Act, Switzerland has committed to achieving the objective of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. From this date, these emissions must not exceed the quantities that can be eliminated from the atmosphere. The main measure is to avoid or restrict these emissions as much as possible.
In certain sectors, such as waste incineration, cement production or agriculture, their total reduction is however hardly possible and these emissions must therefore be compensated by the capture and storage of CO2. The federal offices for energy and the environment as well as swisstopo are supporting this pilot project to inject this gas underground, according to a press release from the ETHZ.
Studies of the Swiss subsoil show that there are geological layers suitable for sustainably storing CO2. It is necessary to determine how much gas can actually be stored there and what the possible technical, regulatory and social obstacles are. This is where the CITru CO2 injection pilot project in Trüllikon (ZH) comes in. It draws on valuable data and experience accumulated at this site by the previous owner of the borehole, Nagra. These show that the geological configuration of the subsoil at a depth of more than 1000 meters is in principle suitable and that the borehole is in good condition for further exploration.
While other countries are already developing commercial underground CO storage systems2CITru is the first pilot project in this field in Switzerland. Although many aspects can be studied and modeled in the laboratory, pilot projects represent a decisive step towards commercial exploitation. CITru offers an important opportunity to learn more about the potential and challenges of underground CO storage2 in Switzerland.
The exploration phase which has just begun includes in-depth studies of the local subsoil using seismic measurements, numerical simulations of different CO injection and distribution scenarios.2 in-depth as well as detailed risk assessments. In addition, the logistical needs, the necessary budget and the concession conditions for the possible injection of CO2 will be defined.
If, at the end of the exploration phase at the end of 2025, the project proves sufficiently safe, environmentally friendly and financeable, the implementation phase would be launched. This would notably include a CO injection test2 in the subsurface, which would begin at the earliest in early 2026. Regardless of whether the exploration phase will be followed by an injection test, the consortium aims to gain innovative insights into the feasibility of such injections in Switzerland. The exploration work is carried out in agreement with the municipality of Trüllikon and the landowners directly concerned.
