Bedretto Underground Laboratory for Geosciences and Geoenergies
The BedrettoLab (Bedretto Underground Laboratory for Geosciences and Geoenergies) is a unique research infrastructure run by ETH Zurich making it possible to take a close look at the Earth’s interior. It is located in the Swiss Alps 1.5 kilometres below the surface and in the middle of a 5.2 kilometres long tunnel connecting the Ticino with the Furka railway tunnel.
Equipped with the latest technology, the BedrettoLab offers ideal conditions to conduct experimental research focusing on the behaviour of the deep underground when accessing and stimulating it. Such an access is required to advance scientific knowledge in various domains including geothermal energy and earthquake physics. It is also of relevance to develop novel techniques and sensors for these purposes.
2025-10-28
Hot water injection experiment started
Today, the first injection with hot water began in the BedrettoLab’s geothermal reservoir. The experiment that is part of the BEACH project, aims to inject approximately 200 m3 liters of water over a period of ten days. The water used for the test is collected from the surrounding rock massif, heated to 80 °C in a boiler in the geothermal testbed, and then injected into the rock volume.
The goal of this experiment is to investigate how much heat can be stored in the crystalline rock and how much of this energy can be retrieved after a storage period of two weeks. The experiment is the first of two hot water injections tests.
During the injection, a low level of seismicity is expected and will be monitored closely by the seismology team. As an additional safety layer, a traffic light system regulates the experiment, and if the observed magnitude exceeds pre-defined thresholds, the experiment will be ended immediately and bleed-off initiated.
2025-10-13
News Report & Science Report 2025
The News Report 2025 provides an overview of developments within our testbeds and ongoing projects throughout the year. A highlight was the completion of the new side tunnel as the major element of the new Earthquake Physics Testbed. The report offers a detailed account of construction activities, current research projects and all events.
The Science Report 2025 compiles the scientific posters created and presented by our team members at various national and international conferences.
The reports can be downloaded at the following links: