Permit granted for geothermal, hydrogen, and helium exploration in Jorat, Switzerland
Jorat, Switzerland with view of Gros-de-Vaud and Jura mountains (source: Slightlym, CC BY-SA 4.0 
Carlo Cariaga
4 May 2026
Swiss Geo Energy has secured the exploration permit for the Jorat project in Switzerland, where geothermal, helium, and hydrogen will be evaluated.
Swiss Geo Energy (SGE) has been granted a surface exploration permit by the Canton of Vaud for a campaign that simultaneously targets the exploration of natural hydrogen, helium, and deep geothermal resources in the Jorat project site in Switzerland. This is the first permit in Switzerland to combine the exploration of critical molecules and deep geothermal resources within a single, integrated programme.
The permit authorises SGE to conduct a non-invasive geophysical and geochemical exploration programme, which includes passive seismic, magnetotelluric, gravity, and soil gas surveys. Should the findings from these measurements 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,” said Dr. Paromita Deb, Project Manager at SGE.
“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.”
The Jorat project represents a multi-faceted approach to exploring domestic energy resources to help Switzerland transition away from fossil fuels and imported energy. Natural hydrogen and helium are emerging frontiers in the energy and industrial sectors, while deep geothermal energy offers proven and continuous supply for low-carbon heat and electricity. By pursuing all three simultaneously, SGE’s Jorat programme sets a new benchmark for integrated subsurface resource exploration in Switzerland.
Natural hydrogen, also known as white hydrogen, is formed through geological processes deep in the subsurface. Compared to combustion of fossil fuels, natural hydrogen offers a fundamentally different pathway by providing a low-emission alternative that does not require energy-intensive manufacturing processes. Natural hydrogen can be used to generate energy, either in the form of electricity or heat, with water vapor as the primary by-product.
Helium is primarily recovered from natural gas reservoirs and occasionally brine systems, and is a critical component in multiple high-value sectors such as healthcare, aerospace, and electronics manufacturing. As a 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.
SGE also holds the exploration permit for the GeoCogen La Broye project in the Payerne-Avenches region, where geophysical data acquisition is expected to start by the winter of 2026. Earlier this year, SGE secured financial support from the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) for the project.
Source: Swiss Geo Energy
