Here are 7 common questions and answers in the category ground source heating for the Swedish construction industry. Every answer is anchored in primary law (PBL, BBR, KTjL, AFS, ABS 18, AB 04) and authoritative guidance. The data is open and free to use with attribution.
Yes, installation of bergvärme requires a permit or notification to the municipal environmental office under Miljöbalken 9 kap. and Ordinance 1998:899 on environmentally hazardous activities. Within a water protection area, a permit from the Länsstyrelsen is always required.
Sources: Miljöbalken 9 kap. · Förordning 1998:899
A typical drilling depth is 150-250 metres depending on energy demand and geology. A hole normally yields 20-30 kWh per metre per year. For larger properties, several boreholes are required with at least 20 metres between them to avoid thermal interference.
Sources: Energimyndigheten · SGU
Bergvärme extracts energy from the bedrock via a vertical borehole. Jordvärme extracts heat via horizontal collector hoses in the ground at 0.9-1.2 metres depth. Bergvärme has more stable temperatures and better efficiency, but requires a drilling permit.
Sources: Energimyndigheten · Boverket
The party performing new drilling is responsible for not damaging existing installations. The SGU-associated industry body recommends at least 20 metres distance from a neighbour's borehole. In the event of damage, damages can be claimed under Miljöbalken 32 kap. or the Tort Liability Act.
Sources: Miljöbalken 32 kap. · SGU
The municipality's processing time varies but is normally 4-8 weeks for a notification and up to three months for a permit application. Within water protection areas, where the Länsstyrelsen reviews the case, it may take 3-6 months. Zaragoza AB assists with a complete application.
Sources: Miljöbalken 9 kap. · Länsstyrelsen
Yes, energy wells must be drilled in accordance with SGU's Normbrunn 16 by a certified well driller. Certification is provided through RISE and imposes requirements on equipment, documentation and quality assurance. The building owner should always request a certification certificate.
Sources: SGU Normbrunn 16 · RISE
The heat-transfer fluid is usually bioethanol or ethylene glycol mixed with water, circulating in the collector hose and transporting heat from the bedrock to the heat pump. The fluid must meet the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's requirements under NFS 2017:5 to reduce environmental risks.
Sources: NFS 2017:5 · Naturvårdsverket