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Geothermal Energy on Small Property

Replace heating with geothermal energy, even where space was missing

You want to replace your heating with geothermal energy, but have little space for a bore? The patented Splitpipe probe from separatus manages with a particularly narrow borehole. Depending on geology, drilling methods and local specifications, installation diameters from 90 mm are possible; our cost comparison expects 108 mm instead of 132 mm with a conventional double U-tube BHE. This enables more compact drilling equipment and about 15 % lower drilling costs.

What Geothermal Energy Really Costs Contact

Switzerland · Germany · Austria, installed by tested drill partners.

Compact drill rig for a Splitpipe drilling on a residential plot. The narrow bore reduces the total cost of the Earth probe by around 15 % at 108 mm instead of 132 mm borehole.
The problem

What geothermal energy has failed so far

Three reasons speak in the consultation usually against the borehole heat exchanger. Two of these changes the Splitpipe technology directly. The figures are a section below.

Drilling costs

The drilling is the largest single post of a geothermal plant. A narrower borehole means smaller equipment and less effort: about 15% lower drilling costs (108 mm instead of 132 mm borehole).

Place and access

Where house, trees and terrace already stand, a large drilling rig can no longer get there. For the 108-mm-borehole of the Splitpipe (instead of 132 mm conventionally) a compact device with a small drilling area is sufficient.

The authorisation

The requirements for approval and notification depend on the location. Our drilling partners clarify the local specifications and accompany the necessary steps.

The figures

What the narrow bore costs and what it saves

Probe diameter

51 mm

Pre- and return in a two-chamber pipe

Drilling diameter

108 mm

instead of 132 mm conventionally. Comparative assumption for the costs mentioned.

Drilling and total costs of the Earth probe plant

−15 %

each approximately 15 % lower, for 108 mm instead of 132 mm borehole

Annual working number

4,6

instead of 3,1 an air-to-water heat pump. Field measurements University of Applied Sciences OST.

Depending on the drill bit and method, conventional drilling is carried out, for example, at 125, 127 or 132 mm – approximately 130 mm. The savings mentioned here explicitly use 132 mm as a benchmark; They are not a blanket statement for every drilling.

Size comparison of drilling diameters: narrow Splitpipe-borehole alongside conventional borehole for a double U-tube BHE
Their entry

Where are you?

Replacement of heating

Old building with radiators, little space for drilling?

Especially in the existing building, the narrow drilling is worth its money: garden, trees and terrace remain, the compact drilling rig still comes along. What the change costs and for whom it is worth, is on the cost side.

Check costs and feasibility New construction

geothermal energy or air heat pump?

The system comparison: efficiency, full cost over 25 years and passive cooling, with source indication.

For system comparison Professional partners

drilling contractor, planning, installation

Technical data of the Splitpipe probe, comparison to the double U-tube BHE and the way to data sheets and product catalogue.

To the Splitpipe probe
This is how it works

Three steps to geothermal energy

Cross section of the Splitpipe probe with pre- and return in a tube

Checking feasibility and costs

Property, heat demand, budget: The Overview of costs and the cost comparison calculator gives a first answer.

Partner drilling and probe

A certified drilling partner in your region undertakes approval, drilling and installation of the Splitpipe probe.

Heating and passive cooling

The brine-water heat pump heats in winter and cools passively in summer, via surface heating or suitable fan coils. How it works, he explains. System Overview.

Benefits at a glance

What the narrow bore actually brings

High performance

At 100 mm drill hole, the efficiency is Equivalent with a double U probe in the 132 mm borehole.

Compared to an air-to-water heat pump, the annual working coefficient is 48 % higher: 4,6 instead of 3,1. Source: field measurements by OST University of Applied Sciences.

Ecological

For 100 mm instead of 132 mm borehole: 43 % less drilling, 45 % less backfill, 50% less diesel.

In addition, 35 % less brine / heat transfer fluid filling (51 mm probe compared to double-U 32, regardless of drilling diameter).

Space saving

The probe needs a borehole of 108 mm instead of a conventional 132 mm. This allows for compact drilling tools and a small drilling surface. geothermal energy also where garden, trees or pool already stand. A 5-t rig comes through the garden gate, a 12-t rig does not.

Drilling costs and overall costs of the Earth probe plant each decrease by around 15 % (108 mm instead of 132 mm borehole). Over the service life, geothermal energy is cheaper than an air-to-water heat pump.

SKZ mark A 875

SKZ certified, certificate A 875

Certificate in German · Certificate English

References

Implemented projects instead of promises

Waxeneck (AT) - geothermal energy at an idyllic forest location

Reference · 03.08.26

Waxeneck (AT) - geothermal energy at an idyllic forest location

In Waxeneck Lower Austria, another geothermal project with separatus was successfully implemented. Together with WTC Brunnen & geothermal energy and the installation company Fluid Energy, two borehole heat exchangers were created, each with a depth of 100 metres. separatus took over thermal simulation and hydraulic design. The coordinated planning, the simple connection and the compact probe design reduced the installation effort and increased the process reliability. The project shows the added value of the separatus partner network from planning to commissioning.

6 x 60 m am Bartholomäberg (AT)

Reference · 22.07.26

6 x 60 m am Bartholomäberg (AT)

Short borehole heat exchangers in Vorarlberg: For a holiday home on the Bartholomäberg, the separatus partner network realizes six probes à 60 metres in sophisticated geology. separatus takes over simulation and design / system sizing, plank the drilling and installation, Geser Erdwärme the hydraulic connection.

View project
Geothermal energy without additional drilling

Reference · 25.06.26

Geothermal energy without additional drilling

For the construction of a new multi-family building in Switzerland, 11 drilling piles à 9 metres were activated with separatus probes into energy piles. The pit protection thus becomes part of the heat supply in the long term and complements the existing borehole heat exchangers. This saves space, reduces additional drilling and increases the efficiency of the geothermal plant.

Documented reference projects, from the renovation in the old building to the new building on a narrow plot.

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Next step

Are you planning a heating replacement or a new building?

Calculate first. The cost page shows what the price of geothermal heating is made up of, and the comparison calculator calculates with your own numbers.

What Geothermal Energy Really Costs