The separatus geothermal probe offers significant advantages over conventional geothermal probes. By integrating the flow and return pipes into a single tube, the borehole diameter can be considerably reduced. This significantly reduces material usage as well as drilling and backfilling costs. The result: high potential for cost savings combined with high efficiency and long-term operational reliability.
Thanks to its special design, optimal heat transfer is achieved while minimizing disturbance to the subsoil. Furthermore, the system allows for flexible and rapid installation. This time saving during installation reduces the risk, especially under challenging geological conditions, and can significantly contribute to project success.
As a market leader in geothermal energy, BauGrund Gesellschaft für Geothermie mbH decided to implement its first project using the separatus geothermal probe to experience its further development firsthand. This initial project involved two geothermal probes, each 80 meters deep, and a distribution system for a terraced house in Wangen im Allgäu. The results were extremely positive: despite challenging geological conditions, one borehole was successfully drilled in just 2.5 hours. The subsequent installation of the separatus geothermal probe was smooth and efficient, as reported by Christoph Knepel, a member of the management board.
The installation of two geothermal probes took less than two days in total – even though there is still potential for optimization regarding the borehole diameter. This potential should be fully exploited in future projects.
The house connection and the installation of the distribution system were carried out by Geser Erdwärme GmbH & Co. KG. In the same week, a local heating company installed the modulating heat pump from Weishaupt. This allowed the entire system to be put into operation quickly.
Modulating heat pumps continuously adjust their output to the actual heating demand. This ensures particularly efficient operation, lower electricity consumption, quieter operation, and a longer service life for the system. At the same time, a consistently high level of comfort is achieved.
The client is completely satisfied: The rooms are just as warm as before, with one crucial difference: he can now enjoy noticeable cost savings every year.
He has every reason to be confident: The lifespan of the separatus geothermal probe is over 50 years, making the system an extremely sustainable investment. In addition, this investment will sustainably increase the property value.
This project is another successful example of how geothermal energy is now considered the best technology for modern renovations and new builds: efficient, economical, quiet and future-proof.
The cooperative group comprising separatus, BauGrund, and GESER Erdwärme is optimistic about the future of geothermal energy. All partners are convinced that with the necessary innovation and pioneering spirit, geothermal energy can regain market share in the heating market, particularly in Germany.
Besides the projects presented here, separatus has already proven its worth in numerous other projects. In 2025, several pioneering systems were successfully implemented: from the source of the Rhine in the Alps to the Rhine estuary in the Netherlands.
In Switzerland, an alpine facility was built at an altitude of over 1800 meters above sea level in challenging geological conditions, featuring 30 geothermal probes, each 40 meters deep. Three probes were hydraulically connected in series to form a circuit, thus optimizing the turbulent flow.
Several installations have been implemented in densely populated urban areas in Brussels. Thanks to a drilling diameter of only 90 millimeters, the system is ideally suited for working in extremely confined spaces.
A project in the Netherlands involves a 100-meter-deep separatus probe, which is installed and operated in direct comparison to a double U 32 probe. The results showed that the separatus probe could be installed without problems in swelling geology, while the double U variant reached its limits. During continuous monitoring, both probe types delivered the same temperatures (difference < 0.05 °C).
These examples illustrate the wide range of applications for separatus. This ranges from challenging alpine conditions to densely populated urban areas. They underscore the potential of modern, cost-effective, and space-saving geothermal energy.
The innovative spirit of the small Swiss start-up is far from exhausted. All interested parties are cordially invited to discover the next high-quality developments at the separatus booth at GeoTHERM 2026 in Offenburg.
It is clear that with splitpipe technology and the associated connection system, significant cost savings can be achieved in the long term, not only in drilling but especially in the area of development.
