It was hoped that energy could also be obtained from geothermal sources by a system known as deep heat mining. In this technique, hot water from deep below the earth's surface is forced upwards and used to drive turbines to make electricity. The project involves drilling to a depth of about five kilometres.

A pilot project was started on the outskirts of Basel, designed to be completed in 2009 and to provide electricity and heating for around 5,000 households.

However, after the drilling triggered some small earth tremors at the turn of the year 2006-7, the project was halted for safety reasons.