News

2026-08-19

Hydro-mechanical test in the Geothermal Testbed

Today, scientists at the BedrettoLab will conduct a hydro-mechanical test in the Geothermal Testbed. The experiment is a standard, well-established procedure that will provide a conclusive analysis of the interval, the section of the borehole that was investigated in previous tests. Further tests will be conducted in a different test interval.

During the test, water will be injected into the rock while researchers closely monitor pressure and rock responses. The objective is to characterize the interval and improve the understanding of its hydraulic and mechanical properties. The data collected will help determine how the rock formation reacts to changes in water pressure and will provide important input for the design of future experiments.

The hydro-mechanical test is part of the BEACH project, which aims to advance the understanding and development of underground heat storage in crystalline rock formations. Following this characterization phase, a new drilling campaign is planned for autumn, with the first cross-hole test scheduled in spring 2027.