A new government-funded geothermal program has officially launched, which includes an interactive map aimed at assisting decision-makers in assessing the UK's geothermal potential.
Geothermal technology utilizes underground thermal energy, possesses the potential to reduce carbon emissions from heating and cooling, and plays a key role in the UK's energy transition process toward achieving net-zero emissions. And determining which underground areas possess the necessary conditions to realize this potential is a crucially important first step.
The British Geological Survey (BGS) has launched the UK Geothermal Platform, which provides nationwide and local-scale geothermal potential information covering both shallow-layer and deep-layer technical options. Users can explore and evaluate the geothermal potential of specific areas with the help of this platform, thereby making wiser decisions. The platform collects and synthesizes various types of information, providing the required information for heating policy, heat networks, national zoning models and planning experts; regulatory authorities, developers and researchers can all use it.
This platform outlines four kinds of geothermal technical potential applicable to the UK: first is shallow-layer, vertical closed-loop ground source heat pump; second is shallow open-loop ground source heat pump; third is deep and hot sedimentary aquifer (hydrothermal); fourth is deep engineered geothermal system in granite (petrothermal). For example, the platform emphasizes that closed-loop systems can technically be deployed almost anywhere in the UK (subject to local planning and regulatory restrictions), and through one 150-meter-deep closed-loop system, as many as 55% of the population has the potential to obtain up to 15000 kilowatt-hours of thermal energy (equivalent to the typical annual power generation of a gas boiler).
With the help of this platform, it is possible to evaluate the potential of geothermal technology for redevelopment of towns, cities and industrial land, and also to quickly evaluate the strategic utilization of geothermal energy in new development zones right from the beginning of the development or planning cycle. Planned developments like the Liverpool - Manchester - Leeds - Sheffield growth corridor can utilize multiple geothermal energy technologies.
This open platform possesses a user-friendly map browser and data access page, and users can also view more detailed geoscientific information from multiple organizations including the British Geological Survey, the Coal Authority, the Environment Agency, the North Sea Transition Authority and the UK Onshore Geophysical Library.
Dr. Alison Monaghan, Head of the Geothermal Department at the British Geological Survey, stated: "The UK Geothermal Platform provides, for the first time, a large amount of nationwide geothermal data and information, and makes it available digitally. It helps a broad range of users to understand, at a high level, the potential of a series of geothermal energy choices, supporting heating decarbonization and energy security."
It is reported that the first version of the UK Geothermal Platform is funded by the UK Government Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) through the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, and is delivered and maintained by the British Geological Survey (BGS).
