Geothermal energy in Pontresina
Project
1'500 m deep drilling to access geothermal energy for useful heat.
Project owner
Hotel Saratz AG
Initial situation
Hotel Saratz has embodied hospitality and family tradition in Pontresina since 1865. Owned by the Saratz family, the hotel has already undergone various remodellings and extensions. Last time, both fuel oil boilers - of a capacity of 400 kW each - had to be replaced and enlarged.
Due to Klimarappen
In order to generate renewable energy, deep drilling to a depth of 1’500 m was undertaken in the hotel’s garden – a first in Switzerland. The water circulating at this depth is heated by geothermal energy (at a normal geothermal temperature gradient, the temperature increases by a rough average of 3 °C per 100 m from the earth’s surface). With a heat pump, useful heat is retrieved from the water, which is then returned to the circuit in its cooler state. This allows Hotel Saratz to heat its indoor swimming pool, its wellness area, as well as parts of the hotel facilities. Additionally, fuel oil heating is available to cover peak loads. This pioneering installation was supervised by engineering consultants Kalberer + Partner in Bad Ragaz.
Savings
Over the period 2008 to 2012, Hotel Saratz will save 620'000 litres of fuel oil, reducing CO2 emissions by 1’639 tonnes.
Investments
The Foundation supports the project with a contribution of 160'000 Swiss Francs, while the hotel’s owners invest 2.5 million Swiss Francs.
