Protesters spray slurry against geothermal project in the Jura
Published: Friday, May 24th 2024, 19:10
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Skirmishes broke out at a demonstration against a geothermal project in Haute-Sorne JU on Friday. Activists sprayed liquid manure onto the construction site. One man also climbed over a protective fence and was apprehended by the police.
A total of around one hundred people gathered to protest against the drilling site, as reported by an employee of the Keystone-SDA news agency. Work had begun there on Tuesday.
Several people tried to enter the site, which was secured with a fence. The security service prevented the action. However, one opponent managed to hoist a banner onto the derrick. He was then intercepted by the police.
The Jura government condemned "the unacceptable excesses" in a statement. It also spoke of the damage that had been caused. It stated that the drilling work would be closely monitored and controlled by the authorities.
Switzerland's most advanced deep geothermal project in the municipality of Haute-Sorne will one day produce electricity for around 6,000 households. The project involves drilling around five kilometers into the ground. The rock layers are significantly warmer at this depth. Later, cold water is to be pumped downwards and warm water upwards in pipes.
The project developed by the par Geo-Energie company with the approval of the canton and the federal government has met with fierce resistance in the Jura. In particular, it is accused of disturbing the environment, posing an earthquake risk and being very water-intensive.
©Keystone/SDA
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